Trump Warns Russia: Ukraine Could Get Long-Range Tomahawk Missiles

US President Donald Trump has made a bold statement regarding the potential deployment of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, warning Russia that such an action could be taken if the war in the country does not conclude soon. This declaration comes as part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration.

During a press briefing on Air Force One, Mr. Trump expressed his willingness to consider sending these advanced weapons systems to Ukraine. He emphasized that the Tomahawk missile is a powerful and offensive weapon, suggesting that Russia would not benefit from its use. “I might say, ‘Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks.’ The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that,” he said.

Mr. Trump also mentioned that he discussed the possibility of sending Tomahawks during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” he remarked about Russia's stance. He added, “I think I might speak to Russia about that. Tomahawks are a new step of aggression.”

The president further stated that he believes it would be beneficial for Putin to resolve the conflict quickly. “I really think Putin would look great if he got this settled,” he said, adding that it would not be good for him if the situation continued.

This suggestion comes after a series of attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s power grid, part of an ongoing effort to undermine the country's energy infrastructure before winter. In response, Moscow has voiced “extreme concern” over the potential provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. Russian President Putin himself has previously warned that such actions could significantly damage relations between Moscow and Washington.

Ukrainian President Zelensky described his recent call with Mr. Trump as “very productive,” highlighting discussions on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities, as well as details related to the energy sector. In an interview with Fox News Channel’s The Sunday Briefing, Zelensky was asked whether Mr. Trump had approved the Tomahawks. He responded, “we work on it.” “I’m waiting for president to yes,” Zelensky said. “Of course we count on such decisions, but we will see. We will see.”

Zelensky also mentioned that he has been in talks with US officials about the possible provision of various long-range precision strike weapons, including Tomahawks and more ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that “the topic of Tomahawks is of extreme concern.” Meanwhile, Mr. Trump, who has faced challenges in ending the war, indicated last week that he has “sort of made a decision” on whether to send Tomahawks to Ukraine, though he did not elaborate on his reasoning. A senior Ukrainian delegation is set to visit the US this week.

In recent weeks, Mr. Trump has adopted a more assertive stance toward Mr. Putin, following the Russian leader's refusal to engage in direct talks with Zelensky about easing the fighting. Last month, Mr. Trump announced that he now believes Ukraine could reclaim all the territory lost to Russia—a significant shift from his previous calls for Kyiv to make concessions to end the conflict.

However, Mr. Trump has resisted Zelensky’s requests for Tomahawks. These weapons would enable Ukraine to launch strikes deeper into Russian territory, potentially applying the kind of pressure that Zelensky argues is necessary to encourage serious peace negotiations with Russia.