By Obinna Uballa
United States President Donald Trump is reportedly considering supplying long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, in what would mark a major escalation of American military support for Ukraine and a direct challenge to Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
According to reports from The Telegraph and Express, the move is part of a broader Trump strategy to pressure Moscow into peace negotiations, following his high-profile diplomatic success in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Trump, fresh from meetings in Tel Aviv and Sharm El-Sheikh, is expected to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House this Friday, where both leaders will discuss “air defence and long-range strike capabilities” to maintain pressure on Russia.
“The main topics will be air defence and our long-range capabilities,” Zelensky said, adding that Tomahawks could help force Russia to the negotiating table.
The Tomahawk missiles, with a range of about 1,500 miles, would allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory — including supply hubs, energy facilities, and weapons plants, a capability analysts say could fundamentally alter the course of the three-and-a-half-year war.
Trump has hinted that he could authorise the transfer if Putin continues to block peace talks. “If this war’s not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,” he said on Sunday during his flight to Israel.
The U.S. president has also stepped up intelligence-sharing with Ukrainian forces, helping them target Russian infrastructure and further straining Moscow’s war economy, which is reportedly facing its worst crisis in three decades.
Kremlin alarm
The Kremlin reacted sharply to the reports, warning that any U.S. move to supply Tomahawks would “ruin relations with Washington.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the missiles as a matter of “extreme concern,” saying Russia would not be able to distinguish whether incoming missiles carried nuclear warheads. “Tensions are escalating from all sides,” he said.
So far, Putin has refrained from directly attacking Trump over the proposal, reportedly holding out hope of convincing him to drop the plan.
From Middle East success to Ukraine focus
Trump’s latest diplomatic manoeuvre follows what he has called a “major breakthrough” in the Middle East, after the release of 20 Israeli hostages and a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Addressing Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, Trump vowed to turn his focus toward ending the war in Ukraine. “It would be great if we could make a peace deal with Iran… but first, we have to get Russia done,” he said.
The U.S. leader, who has touted his record of “resolving eight conflicts” since taking office, now faces what could be his toughest test yet, achieving a settlement in Ukraine without triggering a direct confrontation with Russia.
Zelensky praised Trump’s diplomatic push, saying the Middle East peace deal “brings hope” for Ukraine. “If peace can be achieved there, it can be achieved here too,” he posted on social media.
Trump’s consideration of Tomahawk deliveries signals a decisive shift in Washington’s approach after his predecessor, Joe Biden, repeatedly rejected Ukraine’s requests for the weapon.
Analysts say the move underscores Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine, but also risks deepening global instability.
