The potential supply of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine by the United States is currently under consideration by President Donald Trump, who has characterized such a move as "a new step of aggression" in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to Israel, Trump indicated a willingness to potentially send these powerful weapons, stating, "we'll see... I may," following a second phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the weekend.

President Zelenskyy has persistently advocated for enhanced military capabilities, including long-range arms, to empower Ukraine in launching effective counter-attacks against Russian forces. Kyiv has made numerous appeals for precision-strike weapons that could reach targets deep within Russian territory, far from the front lines of the protracted conflict. Discussions between the two leaders have focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defense, overall resilience, and long-range offensive capacities, alongside specific details related to the energy sector.

The Tomahawk missiles, known for their formidable range of 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles), would significantly extend Ukraine's operational reach, potentially bringing key Russian cities, including Moscow, within striking distance. Trump's rhetoric, questioning whether Russia "want Tomahawks going in their direction," underscores the provocative nature of this potential decision. He also suggested the possibility of discussing the matter directly with Russia if the war remains unsettled, stating, "I might tell them [Russia] that if the war is not settled, that we may very well, we may not, but we may do it."

Moscow has vehemently opposed the prospect of long-range missile supplies to Kyiv. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov previously warned that such an action would precipitate a "major escalation" in the conflict and severely strain US-Russian relations. While Peskov had initially downplayed the impact, stating that Tomahawks "won't be able to change the dynamic" of the war, the Kremlin later expressed "extreme concern" over the topic, highlighting escalating tensions and a "very dramatic moment."

The discussion around Tomahawks unfolds amidst Russia's continued aerial bombardments against Ukrainian cities, particularly targeting critical energy infrastructure with drones, missiles, and glide bombs, leading to widespread power cuts. Zelenskyy has condemned these attacks as "aerial terror" and called for stricter secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian oil, who he argues finance the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported gains in its counteroffensive in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and the focal point of Donetsk.

Despite the seriousness of the threat, some allies, such as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, have expressed skepticism, suggesting that Trump's pronouncements might be a forceful tactic rather than an immediate prelude to deployment. Lukashenko advised caution, stating, "Our friend Donald... sometimes he takes a more forceful approach, and then, his tactic is to let go a little and step back. Therefore, we shouldn't take this literally, as if it's going to fly tomorrow." Nevertheless, Ukraine continues to engage with US officials, pursuing the provision of various long-range precision-strike weapons, including Tomahawks and additional ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles, with a senior Ukrainian delegation expected to visit the US.