Trump Considers Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine
Washington / Aboard Air Force One: U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday he is considering sending long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of the ongoing war with Russia.
When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One whether he would provide Ukraine with the powerful missiles, Trump replied cautiously, “We’ll see… I may.” He added that such a move would represent “a new step of aggression” in the Ukraine conflict, indicating that his administration is weighing the decision carefully.
The comments came shortly after a phone conversation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which the Ukrainian leader urged Washington to enhance Kyiv’s military capabilities — particularly its ability to launch long-range counterattacks against Russian forces.
Ukraine Pushes for Stronger Long-Range Capabilities
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has repeatedly called on the United States and NATO allies to provide long-range strike weapons capable of reaching Russian military infrastructure deep behind the front lines.
The Tomahawk cruise missile, one of the most sophisticated in the U.S. arsenal, has a range of up to 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) — enough to strike Moscow and other key Russian targets.
Military analysts say that if Ukraine were to receive these weapons, it could gain a significant advantage, allowing it to target command centers, logistics hubs, and supply lines inside Russian territory. However, the move could also provoke a dangerous escalation in the already volatile conflict.
Moscow Reacts with Fury and Warning
The Kremlin reacted swiftly to Trump’s comments. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said on Sunday that the possibility of the U.S. providing Tomahawks to Ukraine was a matter of “extreme concern.”
“Now is really a very dramatic moment, as tensions are escalating from all sides,” Peskov told reporters.
He warned that if Tomahawks were ever launched toward Russian territory, Moscow would not be able to determine whether the missiles carried nuclear warheads, creating a potentially catastrophic misunderstanding.
“What should the Russian Federation think? How should Russia react?” Peskov asked rhetorically.
Earlier in September, Peskov had dismissed the threat of Tomahawk deliveries, arguing that they would not “change the dynamic” of the battlefield. But his latest comments suggest a sharp escalation in rhetoric, reflecting growing unease in Moscow.
Medvedev Issues Stark Threats
Former Russian President and current Security Council Deputy Chair Dmitry Medvedev also weighed in on Monday, echoing Peskov’s concerns while issuing a direct warning to Washington.
“How should Russia respond? Exactly!” Medvedev wrote on social media. “The delivery of these missiles could end badly for everyone — and first of all, for Trump himself.”
Medvedev, who has adopted an increasingly hawkish tone in recent years, is known for making provocative statements online that often go further than the Kremlin’s official stance.
This is not the first time the two leaders have clashed. In August, Medvedev’s online comments about U.S. naval movements prompted Trump to boast that he had ordered two nuclear submarines to move closer to Russian waters as a show of strength.
Trump: “Do They Want Tomahawks Coming Their Way?”
In his remarks aboard Air Force One, Trump said he might discuss the potential missile delivery directly with Moscow.
“I might tell them [Russia] that if the war is not settled, we may very well — we may not, but we may — do it,” he said. “Do they want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.”
The president’s comments appeared to mix strategic ambiguity with pressure diplomacy, suggesting he could use the threat of Tomahawk deliveries as leverage to push Moscow toward peace talks.
Trump also framed the potential move as part of his broader pattern of using negotiation and deterrence tactics rather than outright confrontation.
Zelensky’s Plea for U.S. Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently urged the United States to provide longer-range weapons to help defend his country against relentless Russian attacks.
During their recent phone call, the two leaders discussed ways to boost Ukraine’s air defense systems and expand its long-range strike capabilities, as Russian forces intensify their bombardment of major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
Russia has increasingly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aiming to cripple the country ahead of winter by destroying power plants and transmission lines. The resulting blackouts have left millions without electricity and heating in sub-zero conditions.
“We continue to fight for every piece of our land,” Zelensky said recently. “But to defend Ukraine, we need the means to reach the aggressor’s heart.”
U.S. Envoy Suggests Strikes Inside Russia
Adding to the speculation, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, hinted last month that the U.S. might already be supporting limited strikes inside Russian territory.
“There are no such things as sanctuaries in this war,” Kellogg told Fox News, implying that Ukrainian strikes beyond its borders were both justified and strategically necessary.
Such statements have fueled Russia’s accusations that the United States is directly involved in the conflict — an allegation Washington continues to deny.
Global Concerns Over Escalation
The possible transfer of Tomahawk missiles has sparked concern among global powers, many of whom fear that introducing such advanced long-range weapons could escalate the conflict into a broader regional war.
Security analysts note that Moscow could interpret the move as a direct U.S. threat, prompting countermeasures that might include nuclear posturing or cyber retaliation.
Still, Trump’s administration appears to believe that the threat of escalation may serve as a deterrent, not a trigger — forcing Russia to reconsider its military aggression.
“Trump’s approach has always been about using strength to achieve peace,” said a senior White House official. “He believes that showing capability is often the best way to avoid conflict.”
The Road Ahead: Diplomacy or Danger
As Trump continues his foreign policy balancing act, the decision to arm Ukraine with Tomahawks could mark one of the most consequential choices of his presidency.
Analysts say it reflects both his confidence in negotiation and his willingness to apply pressure — even if it risks confrontation with one of Washington’s biggest rivals.
For now, the world watches closely as Trump weighs the next move in a conflict that shows no sign of ending soon.
Whether the Tomahawks fly or remain a diplomatic bargaining chip, one thing is clear: the stakes for U.S.-Russia relations — and global security — have never been higher.