Trump Considers Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine if Russia Keeps Fighting

Washington, Oct 13, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he may allow the transfer of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to end the ongoing war. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while heading to Israel, Trump revealed that he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy over the weekend about Kyiv’s request for the advanced weapons. Tomahawk missiles, which can travel up to 2,500 kilometers, are capable of striking targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow. The Kremlin has already warned that such a move would be considered a serious escalation. Trump acknowledged the risk, calling it “a new step of aggression” if the missiles are deployed, but added that it could be an option if Russia continues its offensive. According to Trump, the U.S. would not directly sell the missiles to Ukraine. Instead, they would be provided to NATO, which could then transfer them to Kyiv. “If the war is not settled, we may very well do it,” Trump said. “Do they want Tomahawks flying their way? I don’t think so.” Zelenskiy, in an interview with Fox News, said Ukraine would only use Tomahawk missiles for military purposes, not against civilians. “We never attacked their civilians. That’s the difference between Ukraine and Russia,” he said. The Ukrainian leader confirmed that discussions with Washington are ongoing and expressed hope that Trump would approve the missile deal soon. Trump has previously said he wants to be cautious before agreeing to provide Tomahawks, as he does not want to escalate tensions further between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskiy said he understands the U.S. president’s hesitation but hopes that continued talks will lead to a positive outcome. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned earlier this month that providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would push the war into a “new stage of escalation,” arguing that the missiles could not be used without direct U.S. involvement. He said such a move would prove that Washington is deeply engaged in the conflict. Despite Putin’s warning, Zelenskiy remains optimistic, saying that Russia’s concern shows the potential effectiveness of the move. “If Russia fears this pressure, maybe it’s the kind of pressure that can bring peace,” he said in a Sunday evening address. The war in Ukraine, now in its third year, has become the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. Russia continues to describe it as a battle against Western interference, claiming NATO expansion has threatened its security. Ukraine and its allies, however, say Russia’s actions amount to an attempt to seize territory and erase Ukraine’s independence. With no clear resolution in sight, Trump’s consideration of Tomahawk support signals that Washington may be preparing for stronger measures if diplomacy fails to stop the war. Trump Weighs Sending Tomahawks to Ukraine President Donald Trump said he might allow NATO to supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles if Russia refuses to end the war. The missiles, capable of reaching Moscow, could mark a major shift in the conflict. Trump said he has discussed the idea with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and wants to ensure the weapons are used responsibly. Putin warned that such a move would escalate tensions, calling it a “new stage” of the war. Zelenskiy, however, said Ukraine would use them only for military purposes, describing Russia’s fear as a sign that pressure is working.