President Donald Trump on Sunday reportedly signaled that he could authorize the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russia refuses to settle the ongoing conflict, a move that would provide Kyiv with long-range strike capabilities and mark a significant escalation in U.S. support for the Eastern European nation.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the strategic nature of the potential weapon transfer. “I may say that the Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that,” he said, indicating that he may speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin before any delivery.
The Tomahawk missile, capable of striking targets over 1,000 miles away, would give Ukraine the ability to hit deeper into Russian territory, a capability Ukrainian officials say they urgently need.
Following their conversation on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Fox News that his country requires “long distance capabilities” and confirmed that he and Trump are “working” on making Tomahawk missiles available to Kyiv.
The announcement comes as the war, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, nears its fourth year despite previous efforts by the Trump administration to broker ceasefires and stabilize the region.
Overnight Saturday, Russian forces attacked Ukraine’s power grid, according to the Associated Press. Zelensky claimed on X that Moscow has launched over 3,100 drones, 1,360 glide bombs, and 92 missiles in the ongoing campaign.
Russia has already warned of a strong response to any transfer of Tomahawks, with a Russian lawmaker stating last week that Moscow would shoot down the missiles, target their sites, and retaliate against the United States, according to Reuters.
Trump’s potential action follows a series of international developments highlighting his ongoing role in global diplomacy.
After Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace proposal brokered by the Trump administration, both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly praised Trump’s efforts. Zelensky said Saturday on X that “surely other wars can be stopped as well,” while Putin described Trump as “doing a lot to resolve such complex crises” at a summit of former Soviet Union countries in Tajikistan.
Last month, Trump noted on Truth Social that Ukraine could win the war and reclaim Russian-occupied territories, signaling a continued commitment to empowering Kyiv with both strategy and materiel.
A senior Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko is scheduled to visit the United States this week, highlighting ongoing coordination between the U.S. and Ukraine on military support.
Trump’s statements underscore a continuation of his proactive approach to international crises, combining direct diplomacy with decisive military options.
By considering long-range Tomahawk missile transfers, he aims to shift the strategic balance while maintaining leverage over Russia and bolstering Ukraine’s capacity to defend its sovereignty.
The move also reinforces Trump’s broader message that diplomacy paired with strong military support can resolve conflicts that have eluded previous administrations, reflecting his approach to both the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
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