In brief
While aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, President Donald Trump indicated he might send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Moscow fails to resolve the conflict there quickly. Trump described these missiles as a substantial military asset and discussed the implications of their use with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a recent phone call. Following attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, both leaders are pursuing strategies that may intensify the war's pressure on Moscow and shape future diplomacy.
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Russia that he may send Ukraine long-range Tomahawk missiles if Moscow doesn’t settle its war there soon — suggesting that he could be ready to increase the pressure on Vladimir Putin’s government using a key weapons system.
“I might say, ’Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to Israel. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”
Trump mentioned that during a recent phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he suggested the possibility of sending Tomahawks.
“Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” Trump said of Russia. “I think I might speak to Russia about that.” He added that “Tomahawks are a new step of aggression.”
His statements followed Russia's attack on Ukraine’s power grid, part of an ongoing campaign to cripple Ukrainian energy infrastructure before winter. Moscow has also expressed deep concern over the potential U.S. supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
In light of Trump's comments, Zelenskyy described their conversation as “very productive,” noting discussions around enhancing Ukraine's air defense and long-range capabilities.
In recent weeks, Trump has taken a tougher stance against Putin and indicated a belief that Ukraine could reclaim all territory lost to Russia, reflecting a significant shift in his approach to the conflict.
