On Sunday, US President Donald Trump stated while aboard Air Force One, cautioning Russia that he may consider deploying long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Moscow does not promptly resolve the ongoing conflict. This remark suggests a potential escalation in pressure on Vladimir Putin‘s government, as reported by The Associated Press.
“I might say,’ Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to Israel. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that,” he added.
Following a discussion between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump indicated that he had mentioned the potential deployment of Tomahawk missiles during their conversation.
“Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” Trump said of Russia. “I think I might speak to Russia about that.” He added that “Tomahawks are a new step of aggression.”
These suggestions follow Russia’s recent attack on Ukraine’s power grid, a continuation of its campaign aimed at undermining Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Moscow has also conveyed significant concerns regarding the potential provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine by the United States.
President Putin has previously asserted that the supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine by the US would severely jeopardise relations between Moscow and Washington.
In a recent communication with President Trump, President Zelenskyy characterised the call as “very productive.” They engaged in discussions focused on enhancing Ukraine’s air defence, resilience, and long-range capabilities, as well as addressing relevant issues in the energy sector.
In an interview with Fox News Channel’s “The Sunday Briefing“ after his call with Trump, President Zelenskyy said he is waiting for the US president to agree to his request.
The Ukrainian President has recently communicated that he is engaged in discussions with US officials regarding the potential acquisition of long-range precision strike weapons, including Tomahawk missiles and additional ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has expressed significant concern over the prospect of Tomahawk deployments.
President Donald Trump has indicated a decision regarding the possibility of supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine; however, he has not provided specific details at this time. A senior Ukrainian delegation is scheduled to visit the United States this week.
In recent developments, the current US administration has adopted a more assertive approach toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly following Putin’s refusal to engage in direct negotiations with President Zelenskyy aimed at reducing hostilities.
President Trump has suggested that Ukraine has the potential to reclaim all lost territories, representing a shift from his previous stance advocating for concessions from Kyiv. Nonetheless, he has not yet agreed to support Zelenskyy’s requests for Tomahawks, which could enhance Ukraine’s capability to exert pressure on Russia to engage more seriously in peace discussions.
Trump said aboard Air Force One of the war: “I really think Putin would look great if he got this settled,” and that “It’s not going to be good for him“ if not.
