UPDATE: In a significant escalation, former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to discuss the potential transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles during their upcoming talks. This development comes as Ukraine seeks to enhance its military capabilities against Russian forces, now approaching three and a half years since the February 2022 invasion.
The Tomahawk missile, a staple of the US armed forces for over four decades, can strike targets up to 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) away, flying at speeds of 880 km/h (550 mph). Its precision and range would enable Ukraine to target critical Russian infrastructure, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine’s eagerness for these missiles underscores the dire situation on the ground, where the need for advanced weaponry has never been more pressing. Analysts warn that while the Tomahawk is a powerful tool, it may not singularly shift the war’s dynamics. Nonetheless, its delivery would symbolize unwavering American support for Ukraine, especially following the tumultuous meeting between Zelensky and Trump in February.
The urgency is palpable as Trump recently announced his plans for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, signaling a complex diplomatic landscape. Trump labeled the Tomahawk an “incredible weapon” and emphasized that it serves as a warning to Russia: “Do they want to have Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.”
According to the Institute for the Study of War, Ukraine could potentially target at least 1,655 sites in Russia, including 67 air bases, should the Tomahawks be acquired. However, logistical challenges loom large. The US Navy has ordered only 57 missiles for 2026, creating questions about whether these can be quickly supplied to Ukraine from existing stocks.
Current US military assets are limited, with only two batteries of land-based launchers available. While the Tomahawk’s capability to strike deeply into enemy territory is enticing, experts like Stacie Pettyjohn from the Center for a New American Security caution that the missile, while impactful, is not a “wonder weapon” that will change the war’s outcome.
Officials in the military community, including General Pierre Schill of the French Army, echo this sentiment, stating that while the Tomahawk can provide a strategic boost, it is not a game-changer in isolation. Instead, it stands as a crucial political signal to Putin, reinforcing that Ukraine’s support remains strong amid ongoing tensions.
As these discussions unfold, the international community watches closely. Putin has warned that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine could escalate tensions further between Russia and the United States, indicating the high stakes involved.
The situation remains fluid, and as talks progress, the implications for Ukraine’s defense strategy and the broader geopolitical landscape will be critical to follow. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
