As President Donald Trump hosted Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House for crucial discussions, the focus was on whether the U.S. would provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles. This move could empower Ukraine to strike deep into Russia for the first time, potentially escalating the conflict between the two nations.
During a working lunch with Zelenskyy, Trump commented on the implications of supplying Tomahawk missiles, acknowledging the significant impact they could have. While Trump mentioned the potential consequences, he did not commit to the decision, expressing hope that the conflict could be resolved without the need for such weaponry.
Tomahawk missiles are long-range weapons with a reach of up to 1,600 kilometers, extendable to 2,400 kilometers. These missiles fly at low altitudes, making them difficult to detect by defense systems and allowing for precise targeting. Despite the U.S. possessing a significant number of Tomahawks, the supply appears to be diminishing, with limited new orders placed in recent years.
The possibility of the U.S. selling Tomahawk missiles to European allies for transfer to Ukraine raises questions about the quantity that might be made available. Additionally, the challenge lies in launching these missiles as they are typically deployed from ships or submarines, and Ukraine lacks the necessary naval infrastructure for such launches.
Ukraine’s interest in acquiring Tomahawk missiles stems from its desire to strike deep into Russian territory. However, concerns have been raised by the U.S. and European allies about provoking Russia and potentially escalating the conflict further. Trump’s discussions with Russian President Putin highlighted the sensitivity of providing Ukraine with such advanced weaponry.
The impact of Tomahawk missiles on key Russian assets, such as energy infrastructure, could be significant. Recent drone strikes by Ukraine targeting Russian energy facilities have already caused disruptions, leading to price hikes and supply shortages in some regions of Russia. The potential use of Tomahawks on critical energy facilities could further exacerbate tensions between the two countries.
