CNN has reported that the Pentagon views supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles positively, noting that such transfers would not affect US capabilities due to ample American stocks. However, this issue remains unresolved following the meeting between the US and Ukrainian presidents, where Donald Trump did not give a clear answer on missile deliveries.
President Trump emphasized the need to retain these missiles for US interests and noted that Ukrainian forces would require months of training to operate them. Trump underscored his caution about provoking direct US-Russia conflict, citing Russian statements that a Tomahawk launch against Russian territory would be regarded as an American, not Ukrainian, action.
It is significant that Trump spoke with President Vladimir Putin before the meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart. Following this discussion, Trump hoped for possible compromise from Russia on ending hostilities, but these hopes proved unfounded.
Putin’s announcements of missile tests and threats directed at the US have illustrated growing confrontation. In response, the US president signaled new nuclear tests, reminiscent of Cold War tensions. This escalation could affect Trump’s stance on sending advanced weapons to Ukraine if Russia intensifies pressure.
Transferring Tomahawks to Ukraine could shift European leaders’ positions on providing Ukraine with long-range weapons to strike strategic targets in Russia, potentially altering the power balance in the ongoing conflict between Russia, the US, Ukraine, and Europe.
Thus, supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine remains a pressing issue, with further developments hinging on the actions and rhetoric of US and Russian leaders and the situation on the front lines.
