UPDATE: In an urgent meeting, former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are discussing the potential supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move that could significantly impact the ongoing conflict with Russia. The talks come as Ukraine seeks to enhance its military capabilities three-and-a-half years into the war sparked by the Russian invasion in February 2022.
The stakes are high as the Tomahawk missile, a key component of the U.S. military arsenal for over 40 years, could allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory. This delivery would not only bolster Ukraine’s defense but also serve as a powerful signal of American support amid growing tensions with Russia. Analysts highlight that while some question the Tomahawk’s ability to shift the balance of power, its acquisition could symbolize a commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In a significant development, Trump announced just yesterday that he will also meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest at an unspecified date, a move that some view as an attempt to mediate tensions while reinforcing U.S. backing for Ukraine.
The Tomahawk missile boasts an impressive range of 1,600 kilometers (approximately 1,000 miles) and can travel at speeds of up to 880 km/h (approximately 550 mph), allowing it to target critical military installations across Russia. With a payload of 450 kilograms, these missiles are capable of destroying air defense systems, command centers, and airfields. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Ukraine could potentially target 1,655 locations, including 67 air bases within Russia.
While the U.S. Navy has only ordered 57 Tomahawk missiles for 2026, experts suggest that between 20 to 50 units could be allocated to Ukraine from existing U.S. stockpiles. However, the U.S. Army has a limited number of land-based launchers, with only two batteries of four launchers available. This scarcity raises questions about the feasibility of quickly supplying Ukraine with the necessary equipment to launch these missiles effectively.
Military experts emphasize that while the Tomahawk is not a “wonder weapon” that will single-handedly win the war, it does hold notable strategic value. Stacie Pettyjohn, a researcher at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), states, “I don’t believe that a weapons system can radically change the situation in Ukraine,” yet acknowledges the operational effects these missiles could have.
General Pierre Schill, head of the French Army, echoed this sentiment, noting that Ukraine has already developed its own deep-strike capabilities with indigenous missiles. He argues that the proposed delivery of Tomahawks serves primarily as a political gesture from Trump to signal to Putin the U.S.’s commitment to Ukraine, especially if diplomatic progress remains stalled.
Putin has warned that the introduction of Tomahawks to Ukraine would escalate tensions significantly, marking a “whole new level of escalation” in U.S.-Russia relations. Meanwhile, Trump has characterized the Tomahawk as an “incredible weapon” and cautioned that Russia would not welcome such advancements in Ukraine’s military capabilities.
As the world watches these developments closely, the outcome of Trump’s discussions with Zelensky could reshape the landscape of the ongoing conflict, further influencing international responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Stay tuned for updates on this critical situation as it unfolds.
