President Donald Trump has indicated that he is not ready to move forward with any arrangement that would allow Ukraine access to long-range Tomahawk missiles, a weapon system capable of striking targets deep inside Russian territory. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Palm Beach to Washington, Trump responded to questions about whether he was considering a deal that would involve selling the missiles to NATO allies who could then transfer them to Ukraine. His answer—“No, not really”—made clear that he remains hesitant to take steps he believes could further escalate the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Although he left the door open by adding that he could change his mind, his tone suggested that such a shift is not currently on the horizon.

The idea of providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has been circulating since Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on October 22. Rutte confirmed that the matter was under review but emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the United States. The Tomahawk, with its range of roughly 2,500 kilometers, would offer Ukraine the capability to reach deep into Russian territory, including major cities such as Moscow. This potential expansion of Ukraine’s strike ability has raised alarm in the Kremlin, which has warned strongly against any move to supply Kyiv with such advanced, long-range weaponry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed interest in obtaining the missiles as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s defensive and strategic capabilities amid Russia’s ongoing attacks. However, Trump’s reluctance reflects a desire to avoid actions that he perceives as potentially widening the conflict or provoking a stronger Russian reaction. As discussions continue within NATO and between Washington and its allies, the future of the proposal remains uncertain, with Trump’s reservations playing a central role in delaying any immediate decisions.

About Tomahawk Missiles
Tomahawk missiles are among the United States’ most recognizable and widely used long-range precision weapons. Designed for low-altitude, terrain-following flight, they can travel hundreds of kilometers while remaining difficult to detect by enemy radar. Their guidance systems combine GPS, terrain mapping, and onboard navigation software to deliver pinpoint accuracy, making them effective against both fixed and high-value strategic targets.

Over the decades, the Tomahawk family has evolved into multiple variants, some optimized for land-attack missions and others for maritime use. Modern versions can be programmed to adjust their flight paths mid-course, strike multiple targets in a series, or loiter near an area before receiving a final command. Their ability to be launched from ships and submarines gives them significant flexibility, and their proven reliability has made them a central tool in U.S. military operations. If Ukraine were ever to receive them, the missiles would dramatically enhance its strike capabilities, though such a step remains highly contentious.

Read more at Reuters.