Aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump declared he might provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles unless Russia agrees to settle the war soon—a signal of heightened U.S. leverage amid Russia’s recent energy grid attacks.

Kyiv described the discussion as productive and said it included air defense, resilience, and long-range strike topics. The Kremlin responded with alarm, warning that such a transfer would escalate the war.

U.S. Position and Conditions

Trump emphasized he’s not yet committed. He said he wants assurances about how Ukraine would use the Tomahawks, citing concerns about escalation. He also noted that any missiles would be delivered via NATO rather than as a direct U.S.–Ukraine arms deal.

Officials familiar with U.S. stockpiles caution that delivering Tomahawks may be difficult, as many are already committed to Navy use. Trump had previously shifted toward more active support for Ukraine, including pledging Patriot missile systems, but his stance has been unpredictable.

Ukraine’s Ask & Kyiv’s Strategy

President Zelenskyy has formally requested Tomahawks from the U.S.—or via NATO intermediaries. Kyiv says it would only use them against military targets.

Ukraine sees Tomahawks as a way to hold deep Russian military infrastructure at risk—including in European Russia. They already employ U.S. supplied ATACMS missiles, which have struck Russian territory in the past.

Kremlin Reaction & Risks

The Kremlin issued a strong warning: transferring Tomahawks would be a “dramatic escalation” and could alter U.S.–Russia relations fundamentally. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the idea induces “extreme concern.”

Russia also questioned whether such weapons would be used responsibly, raising the specter that supplying long-range systems might bring the U.S. closer into direct conflict.

Tactical Implications

Tomahawk cruise missiles have a range of about 2,500 km (≈1,550 miles), putting Moscow and deep Russian military targets in reach if delivered.

This would significantly change battlefield dynamics, adding pressure to supply lines, logistic hubs, and strategic depth targets. Analysts say control of intelligence, rules of engagement, and target approval become critical.