Imagine a world where Ukraine, locked in a brutal war with Russia, suddenly gains the ability to strike Moscow itself. This is the explosive scenario that could unfold if the US decides to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles. US President Donald Trump has hinted at this possibility, suggesting it could mark a dramatic escalation in the conflict. When questioned aboard Air Force One about sending Tomahawks to Ukraine, Trump's response was intriguingly ambiguous: "We'll see... I may."
This development follows a series of high-stakes conversations between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been fervently advocating for more robust military aid to counter Russian aggression. Zelensky's plea for long-range missiles isn't just about defense; it's about gaining the capability to strike deep into Russian territory, potentially shifting the balance of power in this grinding conflict. But here's where it gets controversial: Moscow has repeatedly warned Washington that providing such advanced weaponry would be a red line, risking a dangerous escalation and further straining already tense US-Russian relations.
Tomahawk missiles, with their staggering range of 2,500 km (1,500 miles), could put Moscow and other key Russian cities within Ukraine's crosshairs. Speaking to reporters en route to Israel, Trump hinted at a potential discussion with Russia about Ukraine's request for Tomahawks. "I might tell them [Russia] that if the war isn't resolved, we may very well consider it," he said, leaving the door open to a move that could dramatically alter the conflict's dynamics. "Do they [Russia] want Tomahawks aimed their way? I doubt it," Trump added, underscoring the high-stakes nature of this decision.
Ukraine's repeated requests for long-range missiles reflect its desperation to strike back at Russia's relentless bombardment of its cities, including Kyiv. Russian attacks, particularly targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, have left millions without power and deepened the humanitarian crisis. And this is the part most people miss: last month, Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested the US president had already authorized strikes deep into Russian territory, telling Fox News, "There are no sanctuaries in this war."
Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has downplayed the potential impact of Tomahawks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea, stating, "Whether it's Tomahawks or other missiles, they won't change the course of the war." But is Russia underestimating the strategic and psychological impact of such a move? Could the supply of Tomahawks to Ukraine be the game-changer that tips the scales in this conflict, or would it simply escalate tensions to an uncontrollable level? Weigh in below—what do you think? Is this a necessary step to support Ukraine, or a dangerous gamble that could backfire?
