Western Allies Boost Ukraine’s Firepower as Debate Over U.S. Tomahawk Missiles Intensifies
The United States has confirmed that more “firepower” is heading to Ukraine through European defense purchases of American-made weapons, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. However, whether that military aid will include long-range Tomahawk missiles remains uncertain, as the final decision rests with President Donald Trump.
Speaking in Brussels alongside NATO allies, Hegseth said Europe’s commitments were being rapidly converted into tangible support for Kyiv under a new military aid program. “Firepower — that’s what is coming,” he said, reinforcing earlier remarks from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte as defense ministers met to coordinate support for Ukraine.
Europe Steps Up Under New PURL Initiative
The new Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program has already secured $2 billion in pledged funding for Ukraine’s defense needs, with additional commitments expected from NATO members in the coming days. The initiative enables European allies to collectively purchase U.S.-made military equipment to supply Ukrainian forces.
Among the weapons Ukraine hopes to acquire through this mechanism are Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of striking deep into Russian territory — a move that would significantly strengthen Kyiv’s long-range strike capabilities. Yet, any approval to transfer those missiles depends entirely on President Trump, who has alternated between expressing frustration and patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the course of the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to make a direct appeal for Tomahawks when he meets Trump at the White House on Friday. The missiles, if approved, would allow Ukraine to reach key military sites far beyond the current frontlines, potentially putting Moscow itself within range.
Tomahawks Not Yet on NATO Agenda
Despite growing anticipation around the possible transfer of Tomahawks, NATO officials in Brussels emphasized that the issue remains a bilateral matter between Washington and Kyiv.
“That is a bilateral question,” NATO chief Rutte said, clarifying that the discussion was not part of the formal alliance agenda during Wednesday’s ministerial meeting.
In the meantime, NATO members have pledged to expand other areas of support. Britain announced plans to deliver 100,000 drones to Ukraine, while the Netherlands committed €90 million ($104 million) to help Ukraine produce its own drone fleet.
Russian Airspace Violations Heighten European Tensions
Recent Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace have added urgency to these discussions. Last month, NATO aircraft shot down several suspected Russian drones over Poland — the first such defensive action since the war began.
Russia denied intentionally violating NATO territory, but the incident underscored growing risks along the alliance’s eastern flank.
“If NATO is threatened, we will act,” said U.K. Defense Minister John Healey. “We must meet Putin’s escalation with our strength.” Healey confirmed that British aircraft would continue patrolling Polish skies through the end of the year, describing Russia’s actions as “reckless, dangerous, and totally unacceptable.”
Europe Seeks Smarter Defense Strategies
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans acknowledged that while NATO’s advanced F-35 fighter jets successfully intercepted drones, they are not the most cost-effective tools for such missions.
“I was proud to see our Dutch F-35s take down Shahed drones over Poland,” he said. “But we must admit — these jets are not the most efficient way to deal with drones. Europe needs more effective and affordable systems to counter such threats.”
Brekelmans warned that the Russian threat is increasingly encroaching on NATO territory, urging members to invest in smarter air defense systems rather than rely solely on high-cost fighter deployments.
Calls for Deep-Strike Capability
For frontline states like Latvia, the ability to hit targets inside Russia is seen as essential to Ukraine’s survival. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds said long-range weapons capable of striking across the border are “crucial” for deterrence.
“As Russia bombs civilian infrastructure and kills innocent people, Ukraine has every right to target military sites inside Russia,” Sprūds said. “This is legitimate self-defense.”
He emphasized that NATO’s broader strategy must include readiness for deep strikes. “If Russia attacks, we must be willing and able to hit back — that’s the only way deterrence works,” he added.
Finland Warns of Future Russian Aggression
Even as NATO boosts Ukraine’s capabilities, Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen warned that the threat from Moscow will not vanish even after the war in Ukraine ends.
“Russia is already preparing for a second phase of potential aggression,” Hakkanen said, pointing to increased troop deployments and ongoing military modernization near NATO borders. “There are real threats ahead for Europe — this is not a short-term challenge.”
Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, has intensified defense cooperation with NATO partners since joining the alliance in 2023. Its leaders continue to advocate for a stronger collective defense posture across northern Europe.
A Defining Moment for NATO and Ukraine
The Brussels meeting has underscored a central theme: NATO’s growing unity in supporting Ukraine, even as internal debates continue over the scale and scope of that support.
While the decision on Tomahawk missiles remains pending, the influx of drones, financial aid, and new European weapons purchases marks one of the largest expansions of Western military assistance since the conflict began.
For Hegseth, the focus is on translating pledges into power on the battlefield. “European commitments are turning into real capabilities for Ukraine,” he said. “This is about ensuring that Russia’s aggression continues to fail.”
As Ukraine braces for another winter of conflict and uncertainty, its hopes rest on whether the United States will finally authorize the transfer of long-range strike weapons — a move that could redefine the balance of power in Eastern Europe.