Recently, Ukraine's media space has been abuzz with discussions about the potential supply of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. The expert notes that this topic is surrounded by emotions and media hype, while a deeper understanding requires thorough analysis and self-reflection on the country's current defense capabilities.
Despite the presence of domestic developments such as the Trymbita, Peklo, and Neptune systems—announced as being in mass production—expectations for Western missile deliveries remain high. The author emphasizes that the much-publicized Ukrainian weaponry has yet to be used on the required scale, with the media often exaggerating quantities and effectiveness.
Special attention is paid to the notion of "media missiles"—the widespread creation of an information background around certain types of weapons. These communication campaigns can foster illusory expectations, while the real effectiveness remains unclear or overstated.
Regarding the Tomahawk, the expert stresses that it is not merely a weapon but also a significant element of the US—particularly Donald Trump's—negotiation strategy with Russia. The decision to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine depends less on Kyiv's requests than on US-Russia negotiations and the priorities of the White House.
Thus, the media resonance around the Tomahawk issue should be seen as part of a broader information influence strategy and not exclusively as military support. The expert calls for responsible treatment of defense information, cautioning against excessive PR and focusing instead on real, rather than exaggerated, achievements of Ukrainian designs.
This article will interest readers who follow arms issues, the US role in Ukraine's defense, and the influence of information technologies on perceptions of the frontline and geopolitical situation.
