President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that he may authorize sending long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russia fails to move toward ending its war.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump said he had already raised the issue in a recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I might say, ‘Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,’” Trump said. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”
He added that the threat was not yet a final decision, saying, “We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up.”
READ ALSO: Trump pressures NATO countries to quit Russian oil, warns China of 50–100% tariffs
Trump’s remarks came hours after Russian strikes targeted Ukraine’s power grid in what the latter described as a deliberate effort to cripple its energy supply before winter. Russia, meanwhile, said it was “extremely concerned” about reports the U.S. might provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
In his comments, Trump acknowledged that such a move would mark “a new step of aggression,” suggesting it could be used as leverage to push President Vladimir Putin toward a settlement. “Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” he said.
Zelenskyy later called his latest discussion with Trump “very productive,” noting that they had talked about strengthening Ukraine’s “air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities,” as well as its energy sector.
In an interview with Fox News’s The Sunday Briefing, Zelenskyy was asked if Trump had approved sending the missiles. “We work on it,” he replied. “I’m waiting for president to yes. Of course we count on such decisions, but we will see. We will see.”
The Ukrainian leader confirmed that they are in talks with U.S. officials about acquiring long-range precision strike weapons, including Tomahawks and additional ATACMS missiles.
READ ALSO: Trump fires back after a reporter said he’s taken ‘no action’ against Russia
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that “the topic of Tomahawks is of extreme concern,” warning that it would further strain relations between the U.S. and Russia.
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated by Putin’s refusal to engage directly with Zelenskyy, and in recent weeks has adopted a more assertive stance toward Russia.
Last month, the president said he now believes Ukraine can reclaim all territory seized by Russian forces, a reversal from his earlier calls for Ukraine to make concessions to secure peace.
Trump has so far withheld approval for Tomahawks, weapons that would allow Ukraine to reach far deeper into Russian territory and, according to Zelenskyy, force the Kremlin to take peace negotiations seriously.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump further stated, “I really think Putin would look great if he got this settled. It’s not going to be good for him if not.”
READ ALSO: Putin asserts U.S. under Trump is receptive to Russia’s Ukraine position
