US President Donald Trump has announced he is close to deciding on supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. He noted that only a few details remain to clarify how Kyiv intends to use these missiles, capable of reaching as far as Moscow.
Trump emphasized he does not wish to escalate the conflict, but this statement serves as a powerful signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially pushing him to the negotiating table to end the war.
This development indicates a change in the US president's strategy toward Russia. While Trump previously showed willingness to make concessions and offered compliments to Putin, he is now considering providing Ukraine with weapons that could jeopardize Russia's own safety and strategic assets.
Russian authorities have already warned that such an arms transfer might be viewed as direct US involvement in the conflict. For Putin, such direct confrontation is a key fear for any Western leader; however, Trump's reaction suggests he is not deterred by these threats.
The failed Alaska summit, where Trump could not even secure a ceasefire from Putin, has significantly impacted the president's reputation. Now, after some time, Trump is shifting his rhetoric and using the prospect of Tomahawk missiles as a pressure tool.
Experts are analyzing how Putin might respond and whether this new approach could result in further escalation from both sides. Military assistance in the form of long-range weapons for Ukraine is being considered by the West, alongside ongoing sanctions and diplomatic warnings.
Analysts point out that, amid frequent Russian provocations in NATO airspace, Western capitals may increase military aid to Ukraine, which raises the risk of a larger conflict between Russia and the Alliance.
So far, Western countries believe fighting will not expand beyond Ukraine, but underestimating an adversary's resolve could lead to further global upheaval.
