President Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that the United States may consider supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles if Russia does not move toward ending its invasion — a statement that immediately drew sharp warnings from Moscow and sparked intense international debate over a potential escalation of U.S. involvement in the war.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the potential move as “a new step of aggression,” noting that while no final decision has been made, the option is “on the table” should diplomatic efforts stall.
“I might say, ‘Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,’” Trump said, referring to the long-range missiles that can strike targets more than 1,000 miles away. “They’re an incredible weapon — very offensive — and if we decide to move forward, it would change the game.”
The remarks mark one of the strongest signals yet that Trump is willing to expand U.S. military assistance to Kyiv if Russia continues its offensive. His tone reflected a shift from his earlier emphasis on negotiating a ceasefire, suggesting frustration with Moscow’s reluctance to engage in direct peace talks.
Kyiv’s Push for Long-Range Capabilities
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who spoke with Trump over the weekend, characterized their conversation as “very productive.” He said the two leaders discussed bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses, long-range strike options, and energy resilience amid continued Russian bombardments.
“We are working on Tomahawk approval and awaiting a decision,” Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv. “Ukraine’s defense requires both protection in the sky and the ability to respond deep into enemy territory.”
Zelenskyy has long urged Washington and NATO allies to supply more advanced missile systems capable of targeting Russian logistics and command centers far beyond the front lines. Kyiv currently relies heavily on a mix of Western-provided air defense systems and domestically produced drones.
Moscow’s Reaction: “Extreme Concern”
Russia responded swiftly and forcefully to Trump’s remarks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the potential delivery of Tomahawks “a matter of extreme concern,” saying it would mark a major escalation in the conflict.
“Now is really a very dramatic moment,” Peskov said. “Tensions are escalating from all sides, and actions like this would only make the situation more dangerous.”
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev went further, warning on social media that deploying Tomahawks in Ukraine could lead to catastrophic consequences.
“It’s impossible to distinguish a nuclear Tomahawk from a conventional one in flight,” Medvedev wrote. “The delivery of these missiles could end badly for everyone — and most of all, for Trump himself. One can only hope this is another empty threat.”
Russian officials have repeatedly said that Western-supplied long-range weapons would be viewed as direct participation in the conflict, potentially expanding the battlefield.
A Shifting U.S. Posture
Trump’s comments come amid renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure and energy grid, as well as a cooling of earlier optimism that direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv might resume. According to The Associated Press, Trump’s national security team has been re-evaluating potential aid options after months of limited progress on peace efforts.
Last month, Trump said Ukraine “could win back all territory lost to Russia,” but stopped short of endorsing new weapons packages. His latest remarks suggest that position is hardening.
The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile
The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) has been a staple of U.S. military operations since the 1991 Gulf War. Capable of flying more than 1,500 miles at subsonic speeds while hugging the terrain to evade radar, the missile is designed for precision strikes on high-value targets.
More than 2,300 Tomahawks have been launched in combat worldwide, according to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command. Analysts note that supplying Ukraine with such weapons would significantly expand its reach, allowing it to hit command centers and logistics hubs deep inside Russia — a red line for the Kremlin.
What’s Next
Despite the fiery rhetoric, U.S. officials emphasize that no formal decision has been made. The White House has not released details on potential delivery timelines or whether the Pentagon has begun logistical planning.
Still, Trump’s warning underscores how the war in Ukraine continues to test global security alliances and Washington’s balancing act between deterrence and escalation.
