The former US President, Donald Trump, has expressed readiness to provide Ukraine with powerful Tomahawk missiles, capable of reaching speeds of 550mph, to aid in their conflict against Russia. This announcement comes just before his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prior to their meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared insights from a phone call with Trump, where they discussed the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. While Ukraine has received support from Western military forces since the conflict with Russia began in 2022, they have been seeking longer-range strike capabilities to potentially alter the course of the ongoing war.
Trump has been hinting at the possibility of providing Ukraine with these US-manufactured missiles if Russia continues to resist a peaceful resolution after invading Ukraine three years ago. Zelensky mentioned on October 12 that the fear of US supplying Tomahawks has put pressure on Russia, potentially leading to a peaceful resolution.
Russia, on the other hand, views the supply of Tomahawk missiles as a significant escalation in US-Russia relations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed extreme concern over the potential use of these weapons, claiming they could introduce a new level of tension between the two countries.
Tomahawk missiles, originally developed by the US in the 1970s, are subsonic cruise missiles known for their high accuracy and long-distance striking capabilities. They come in various variants and can be launched from different platforms, with the ability to carry different types of warheads, including nuclear.
The missiles have been utilized by the US in conflicts in Iraq, Libya, and Syria, demonstrating their effectiveness. If supplied to Ukraine, these missiles would provide them with the capability to target key Russian military assets deep inside Russia, potentially shifting the dynamics of the conflict.
Despite the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles, Zelensky has emphasized that their intended use is solely against Russian military targets and not against civilians. The exact number of missiles the US might provide Ukraine and the associated costs remain uncertain.
While Trump initially showed support for supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine, he later expressed the need to prioritize the US’s own military requirements. This indicates that the decision to provide these missiles to Ukraine is not yet finalized.