Trump Considers Supplying Ukraine with Long-Range Tomahawk Missiles Amid Escalating Attacks
Trump Considers Supplying Ukraine with Long-Range Tomahawk Missiles Amid Escalating Attacks
US Vice-President JD Vance has confirmed that President Donald Trump is actively considering Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, a decision that would significantly alter Kyiv’s defensive capabilities. Vance indicated that Trump would make the final determination on the matter, which comes as Ukraine faces intensified aerial bombardments from Russia.
Kyiv has consistently pressed its Western allies for weapons capable of striking deep within Russian territory, arguing that such capabilities are crucial for weakening Russia’s military industrial complex and accelerating an end to the conflict. Deputy Defence Minister Ivan Havryliuk stated that increasing the cost of war for Moscow would compel them to engage in peace talks.
The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, downplayed the potential impact of Tomahawk missiles, asserting that no single weapon system could change the dynamic on the front line for Ukraine. Tomahawk missiles boast a range of 2,500 km (1,500 miles), which would place Moscow within striking distance for Ukrainian forces.
The discussion around advanced weaponry follows a notable shift in the US administration’s stance on the war. Special envoy Keith Kellogg appeared to suggest a broader authorization for deep strikes into Russia, stating, “there are no such things as sanctuaries.” This aligns with Trump’s recent declaration that Kyiv could “win all of Ukraine back in its original form,” a departure from his previous skepticism.
The urgency of Ukraine’s request is underscored by a recent 12-hour bombardment on Sunday, which saw hundreds of drones and nearly 50 missiles target Kyiv, resulting in four fatalities and over 70 injuries across Ukraine. Havryliuk warned that Russia is expected to further escalate the intensity and severity of its aerial assaults.
To counter these attacks, Ukraine is urgently seeking at least 10 Patriot surface-to-air defense systems from its Western partners. Havryliuk noted “some movement in this direction” regarding promised Patriot systems. He highlighted that the sheer volume of Russian drones and missiles, including a record 800-plus fired earlier this month, makes interception increasingly challenging, with 31 drones hitting targets during Sunday’s attack.
Furthermore, Russia is deploying more advanced drones, such as Shaheds with 16-channel antennas, to bypass electronic warfare systems. Havryliuk emphasized that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense is an investment in the security of all of Europe, citing recent incursions of Russian drones into Polish airspace and aiming to disrupt “Putin’s plans to constantly scare Europe.”
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.