Trump considers sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, raising Russian concerns

US President Donald Trump recently hinted that the United States may supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles if the ongoing war with Russia does not settle soon. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I might say, ‘Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks.’ The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”

The statement came shortly after Trump spoke over the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump added, “I might tell them that if the war is not settled -- that we may very well. We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up.” His comments appear aimed at warning Russia while showing support for Ukraine.

Following Trump’s remarks, the Kremlin expressed serious concerns about the possible missile supply. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that some versions of Tomahawk missiles can carry nuclear warheads. He called Trump’s statement a “dramatic moment in escalation from all sides” and warned, “Just imagine: a long-range missile is launched and is flying, and we know that it could be nuclear. What should the Russian Federation think? Just how should Russia react?” Russia’s concerns highlight the risk of increasing tensions between the US and Moscow if Tomahawk missiles are supplied.

What are Tomahawk missiles and why Ukraine wants them

Tomahawk missiles are long-range, subsonic cruise missiles designed for precise strikes. Initially developed by General Dynamics and later produced by Raytheon, these missiles can operate in all weather conditions and can be launched from land or sea. A Tomahawk missile is about 5.6 meters (18.4 feet) long, weighs around 1,600 kilograms, and costs roughly USD 1.3 million each.

Tomahawks are highly accurate due to a combination of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Inertial Navigation System (INS), and the terrain contour matching system (TERCOM). These systems allow the missile to travel long distances—up to 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles)—to strike specific targets. Certain versions of Tomahawk missiles can also carry nuclear warheads, making them a powerful weapon in both conventional and strategic warfare.

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Ukraine is interested in acquiring Tomahawk missiles because they provide capabilities different from the weapons it currently uses. Ukraine’s current missile arsenal includes systems like Flamingo, Neptune, Harpoon, ATACMS, and Storm Shadow missiles. Tomahawks would give Ukraine a longer-range and more precise strike ability, potentially changing the dynamics of its defense against Russian attacks. The ability to carry nuclear warheads, while not a current focus for Ukraine, adds to the strategic value of the Tomahawk missile in general.

The US has historically supplied Ukraine with weapons such as Stinger missiles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and artillery systems, but long-range cruise missiles like the Tomahawk have not yet been provided. If Trump’s proposal moves forward, it could represent a significant escalation in US military support for Ukraine.

Russia, on the other hand, has already warned the US to reconsider such moves. Peskov emphasized the dangers of long-range missiles in the conflict, especially those capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Russia fears that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could dramatically escalate the war, potentially leading to a broader conflict involving multiple countries.

Experts also note that Tomahawk missiles have been used by the US in past conflicts for precision strikes. They have a strong track record of hitting high-value targets with minimal collateral damage when used correctly. Their long-range capability makes them suitable for strategic defense purposes, and their inclusion in Ukraine’s arsenal would significantly enhance Kyiv’s strike options.

In summary, Trump’s statement about potentially supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has raised alarms in Russia while showing support for Ukraine’s defense. The missiles are long-range, precise, and can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. Ukraine wants them to strengthen its capabilities against Russian forces, while Russia views their possible use as a serious threat. The next steps by the US, Ukraine, and Russia will likely influence the course of the ongoing conflict and international relations in the region.