U.S. Considers Tomahawk Missile Sale to Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
The White House is currently evaluating a request from Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles as part of its defense strategy against Russian military forces. Vice President JD Vance confirmed this consideration during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” stating that the administration is analyzing various requests from European allies. He emphasized the significance of European involvement, noting that the U.S. President will ultimately make the final decision regarding the missile sale.
According to reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented this request to President Donald Trump during a meeting at the recent U.N. General Assembly. The discussions come on the heels of the Trump administration’s policy established in August, which allows for the sale of weapons to Ukraine funded by European NATO countries. This strategy aims to ensure that European nations share the burden of military support for Ukraine.
Vance explained that the potential sale of Tomahawk missiles aligns with the administration’s broader policy, which encourages European nations to invest in their own security. “What we’re doing is asking the Europeans to buy that weaponry. I think that gets them really invested in both what’s happening in their own backyard, but also in the peace process that the president has been pushing for,” Vance said.
The U.S.-made Tomahawk missile boasts a range of approximately 1,500 miles, which would enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory, potentially reaching Moscow itself if the missiles are acquired. The Kremlin has responded critically to the discussions surrounding the missile sale. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is analyzing Washington’s remarks about the potential delivery of Tomahawk missiles, underscoring concerns about who would operate the missiles from Ukrainian territory.
On the same day, Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine, reiterated the necessity for Ukraine to have the capability for long-range strikes. He commented, “I think reading what [Trump] has said, and reading what Vice President Vance has said … the answer is yes. Use the ability to hit deep.”
The situation remains dire, as the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces launched over 600 drones and missiles targeting various locations across Ukraine early on Sunday morning. These attacks resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left dozens injured, marking one of the largest aerial assaults faced by Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Frustration continues to mount within the Trump administration regarding Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate a peace settlement with Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Russia’s military efforts, stating, “Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a war that should have taken a real military power less than a week to win.” He expressed confidence that, with support from the European Union, Ukraine has the potential to reclaim its territory, emphasizing the importance of financial backing from Europe and NATO.
As discussions around military support intensify, the international community remains watchful of the implications of U.S. arms sales to Ukraine and the ongoing conflict’s impact on regional stability.
