Trump warns he will supply Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv unless Putin settles Ukraine conflict

United States President Donald Trump is considering sending US-made Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv, signaling a potential escalation in support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia, reports 24brussels. He stated that a final decision on this matter will depend on the progress of negotiations to end the war.

During a conversation with reporters on Air Force One on Sunday, Trump emphasized that he might engage with Russia about the Tomahawk missiles, adding that he intends to supply these weapons if the situation doesn’t improve. Meanwhile, Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna remarked to ABC News that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would help “push Russia back” and send a “very strong message” to Moscow.

According to the Missile Defence Project at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Kyiv is seeking access to the long-range missiles, which can reach distances of up to 1,550 miles. Zelenskyy stated that his recent discussions with Trump have been productive, focusing on Ukraine’s military capabilities, energy sector, and the ongoing war.

In an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy expressed hope that diplomatic progress observed regarding the Israel-Hamas situation could be mirrored in negotiations with Russia. On the Russian side, President Vladimir Putin cautioned that if the US were to supply Tomahawk missiles, it would mark a new phase of escalation, stating such weapons “cannot be used” without direct US military involvement.

Putin further warned on October 5 that the delivery of these missiles could jeopardize the positive trajectory of US-Russia relations. The BGM-109 Tomahawk missile, developed by RTX Corporation, remains a critical asset for precision strikes, typically launched from naval vessels or ground systems.

The Institute for the Study of War has indicated that approximately 1,945 Russian military targets fall within the range of the 1,550-mile variant of the Tomahawk missile. They noted that utilizing these missiles could significantly impair Russia’s military operations on the frontline by targeting essential support facilities.

Ukraine’s capability to strike deep into Russian territory could severely affect critical military infrastructures, including drone production plants and air bases involved in launching missiles against Ukraine, as previously highlighted by the Institute for the Study of War.