President Donald Trump has expressed his readiness to provide Ukraine with high-speed 550mph Tomahawk missiles to aid in their conflict against Russia. This announcement comes just before his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed details of a conversation with Trump during a flight to their meeting. They discussed the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, addressing the country’s need for extended strike capabilities in the ongoing conflict with Russia since 2022.
Despite existing Western military support to Ukraine, the addition of longer-range Tomahawk missiles could significantly impact the war’s dynamics. Trump has hinted at providing these missiles if Russia continues to resist peaceful resolutions three years after invading Ukraine.
Zelensky mentioned on October 12 that Russia appears concerned about potential US Tomahawk missile supplies, suggesting that such pressure could facilitate peace negotiations.
In response, Putin expressed reservations about the missile supply, warning of a significant escalation in US-Russia relations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted Moscow’s extreme unease regarding the potential use of such weapons.
The Tomahawk missiles, initially developed by the US in the 1970s, are highly precise subsonic cruise missiles with advanced navigation systems. They are designed to strike valuable land targets from long distances.
These missiles have a history of deployment by the US in conflicts in Iraq, Libya, and Syria, proving their reliability. With a range of up to 1,600 kilometers, the Tomahawks could enable Ukrainian forces to target critical Russian assets deep within Russian territory.
While Zelensky emphasized that the missiles would only be used against military targets, concerns remain about the potential costs and quantities of the missile supply. The price per missile varies among countries, with estimates ranging from $4.25 million to $12.5 million.
Despite initial discussions, Trump appeared to backtrack on the Tomahawk issue, mentioning the need for such missiles for US defense as well. The final decision on supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine remains uncertain.