Former President Trump has indicated that the U.S. might supply Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine, enabling President Zelensky to target military installations deep within Russia. The Kremlin has warned that this could heighten tensions between the two nations.
In advance of a scheduled meeting on Friday in Washington, Trump noted that Tomahawks would be a key point of discussion. “I get what he means. He’s asking for weaponry. He wants a Tomahawk. Other countries are interested, and we have a good supply,” he remarked to reporters at the White House.
These missiles are engineered to fly at low altitudes and below the speed of sound, allowing them to evade radar detection. Experts suggest that this capability would provide Ukraine with a significantly longer reach to strike Russian military sites and energy infrastructure, such as oil and gas facilities.
Developed in the 1970s, the Tomahawk has been deployed by the U.S. military since Operation Desert Storm in 1991, possessing a range of up to 1,000 miles, based on the model. This range surpasses that of the ATACMS, which the previous Biden administration sent to Ukraine in 2023, with a maximum reach of 290 miles.
Zelensky has previously committed to utilizing weapons supplied by the U.S. solely for military objectives, stressing that they wouldn’t target civilians, but rather high-stakes military installations.
Experts pointed out that these missiles could be aimed at key military sites, such as naval bases and airfields, which are utilized for launching major missile operations against Ukrainian cities.
The Russian response to the potential introduction of Tomahawks suggested that it could escalate the ongoing conflict. Former President Medvedev warned that supplying these missiles to Ukraine could lead to dire repercussions for all involved, including Trump himself.
Conversely, military analysts contend that fears of escalation have often been overstated throughout the conflict, noting that Putin likely wishes to avoid direct confrontations with the West.
“Though the Tomahawk might enhance Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, it’s not a miraculous solution. Without significant Western support, its effectiveness could be limited,” explained Dr. Stacey Pettyjohn from the Center for a New American Security.
Kastehelmi mentioned that while Russia might feel compelled to adapt its strategies in light of the Tomahawk introduction, it faces ongoing challenges, particularly from drone assaults.
The U.S. military has reportedly used more than 2,300 Tomahawks in operations across various regions since 1991, including recent deployments against rebel factions in Yemen.
Currently, the U.S. has an estimated stockpile of around 4,000 Tomahawk missiles, which may include older variants suitable for Ukraine.
Trump acknowledged Zelensky’s desire for more weaponry at their upcoming Oval Office meeting, suggesting that a decision on this matter looms. “They’re eager to strike, and we may need to consider that,” he shared.
Kastehelmi added that Ukraine would require “hundreds” of missiles for a sustained campaign, as a limited number wouldn’t have a considerable effect.
If Tomahawks were provided, Ukraine would likely use ground-based systems for their launch, despite their initial design for naval deployment. Ground-launch systems have been developed and are considered viable for transfer to Ukraine.
Manufactured by Raytheon, the Tomahawk is anticipated to play a crucial role for Ukraine if the supply proceeds. Ahead of the Oval Office meeting, a Ukrainian delegation, including Zelensky’s chief of staff, arrived in the U.S. to solidify support and technology for their military efforts.
