The Tomahawk missiles Trump is considering for Ukraine

Trump is mulling Tomahawk missile sales to Ukraine, enabling 2,500km strikes on Russian military and energy targets, per discussions with Zelenskyy. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon,” Trump said, noting, “Russia does not need that.”

The $1.7mn RTX-made cruise missiles, with eight times the range of Biden’s ATACMS, could target Moscow, prompting Putin’s warning of a “new stage of escalation” with the U.S. Ukraine would use land-based launchers like the Marine Corps’ Long-Range Fire Systems, per experts.

Frustrated by Putin’s rejection of diplomacy post-Alaska summit, Trump seeks “negative motivators,” said ex-defense minister Zagorodnyuk. “It would show the US supports us again, decisively,” he added, signaling pressure on Moscow’s war calculus.

The U.S. has 4,150 Tomahawks but used 124 against Houthis/Iran since 2024, buying only 202, per Cancian. Estimates suggest 20-50 or hundreds for Ukraine, needing “at least 100 monthly” for impact, said Bielieskov. “If this weapon is introduced more symbolically than decisively, doled out in small numbers, this may use up a potential source of leverage,” warned Kofman.

A NATO official predicts Russia’s “nuclear sabre-rattling” and intensified attacks if delivered. U.S. oversight on targeting is likely, said Gady, with contractors aiding quick deployment. “It’s not the Tomahawk itself,” Cancian said, but “waves” could damage Russia’s energy system and airfields, complementing Ukraine’s drones.