Trump Keeps Tomahawk Missiles on the Table for Ukraine as Putin Call Raises Stakes

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has not ruled out providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, even after a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that appears to have complicated Kyiv's hopes for the advanced weaponry. The discussions come amid escalating tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky set to meet Trump at the White House today to press for enhanced military support.

A Tomahawk cruise missile being launched from a submarine, illustrating the long-range capabilities under discussion.
The Tomahawk missiles, capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) away, have been a focal point of recent U.S.-Ukraine talks. Priced at around $2.5 million each in their latest variants, these precision-guided weapons could enable Ukrainian forces to target deep inside Russian territory, potentially shifting the battlefield dynamics in Kyiv's favor. Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky, have repeatedly called for such systems to counter Russian advances, arguing they are essential for defending against ongoing aerial and ground assaults.

However, Trump's conversation with Putin on Thursday—lasting nearly two and a half hours—has cast doubt on an imminent transfer. Sources familiar with the call indicate that Trump used the potential missile delivery as leverage, even joking about supplying "a couple of thousand 'Tomahawks' to your enemy" during the discussion. Putin reportedly expressed strong opposition, warning that such a move would severely damage U.S.-Russia relations and hinder peace efforts. A Russian Embassy statement following the call reiterated Moscow's stance, emphasizing that Tomahawk supplies "would not change the situation on the battlefield but would cause substantial damage to relations between our countries."

Despite the pushback, Trump has kept the option alive, with U.S. officials describing it as a "tool" in his diplomatic arsenal to push for a swift end to the conflict. The president has emphasized a preference for negotiation, highlighting during the call the "enormous prospects" for U.S.-Russia economic cooperation if peace is achieved. Both leaders agreed to pursue a potential summit in Budapest, signaling Trump's strategy of direct engagement with Putin to resolve the crisis.

Zelensky's visit today was initially expected to center on securing the missiles, but reports suggest the agenda may shift toward air defense systems and joint production initiatives after the Putin call put the Tomahawk deal on hold. Ukrainian MP Yegor Chernev confirmed the pivot, noting that while the missiles were a key topic, priorities have adjusted amid the diplomatic developments.

Potential Implications for Russia
If Trump ultimately approves the transfer, the move could represent a significant escalation in Western support for Ukraine, allowing strikes on Russian military infrastructure far from the front lines. Analysts suggest this might force Moscow to divert resources to defend its heartland, potentially weakening its offensive capabilities in eastern Ukraine. Russia has long feared such weapons, viewing them as a direct threat that could prolong the war and invite retaliatory measures, including possible strikes on NATO assets or heightened cyber operations.

On the flip side, withholding the missiles could embolden Putin, signaling U.S. reluctance to fully commit and potentially pressuring Ukraine into concessions at the negotiating table. Russian officials have framed the discussions as evidence of Trump's "peacemaking" approach, praising his efforts to de-escalate while criticizing Kyiv's "terrorist methods." Critics in the U.S., including some Democrats, argue this risks undermining Ukraine's position, with one commentator describing it as Trump treating "war criminals as equals."

Trump's balancing act—threatening missiles while pursuing talks—reflects his broader foreign policy of using military aid as bargaining chips. As one U.S. official noted, the president is "focusing on a diplomatic approach first," but the threat remains a potent deterrent. With the war showing no signs of abating, the outcome of today's Zelensky meeting could define the next phase of the conflict and U.S.-Russia relations for months to come.