In a striking statement, former US President Donald Trump suggested that the United States might supply long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if the war with Russia does not end soon. Trump made the remark during a discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had requested advanced weaponry, including the Tomahawks.
“The United States would not sell missiles directly to Ukraine, but provide them to NATO, which can then offer them to the Ukrainians,” Trump said. He added, “Yeah, I might tell him (Putin), if the war is not settled, we may very well do it. We may not, but we may do it. Do they want to have Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.”
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Previously, Trump had expressed caution about supplying such powerful weapons, stating that he wanted clarity on how Ukraine would use them to avoid escalation. Zelensky reassured that any Tomahawks would target only military objectives, saying, “We never attacked their civilians. That’s the big difference between Ukraine and Russia. If we speak about long-range missiles, we speak only about military goals.”
What Are Tomahawk Missiles?
The Tomahawk is a long-range cruise missile primarily launched from ships or submarines for deep-strike missions. Measuring 20 feet in length with an 8.5-foot wingspan, it weighs roughly 1,510 kg and can reach targets up to 2,500 km away.
Tomahawks are launched vertically from naval ships, or horizontally from torpedo tubes or external submarine launchers. They are powered by a solid propellant during launch and guided by GPS for precision targeting. Each missile costs approximately $1.3 million.
Strategic Impact on Ukraine
Supplying Tomahawk missiles could dramatically expand Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russian territory. Potential targets include military bases, logistics hubs, airfields, and command centers that were previously out of reach.
Historically, Tomahawks have been used effectively in conflicts such as the 1991 Persian Gulf War, where the US targeted strategic Iraqi sites, including command centers, missile sites, power plants, and the presidential palace. More recently, US forces have used GPS-enabled Tomahawks against rebel positions in Yemen.
With such capabilities, Ukraine could gain a significant tactical advantage, allowing for precise strikes without risking direct escalation, though the move also raises concerns over regional security dynamics.
