ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Russia that he may send Ukraine long-range Tomahawk missiles if Moscow doesn’t settle its war there soon, suggesting that he could increase the pressure on Vladimir Putin’s government using this key weapons system.
“I might say, ’Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”
His comments came after Trump spoke by phone earlier Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which he mentioned the possibility of sending Tomahawks.
“Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” Trump stated, referring to Russia. “I think I might speak to Russia about that.” He further described Tomahawks as a new step of aggression.
Concerns over potential missile support surfaced as Russia attacked Ukraine’s power grid, part of an ongoing campaign to weaken Ukraine's energy infrastructure before winter. Moscow expressed “extreme concern” about the U.S. possibly providing these missiles.
For his part, Zelenskyy described his call with Trump as “very productive,” emphasizing discussions about strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and energy sector amidst the ongoing conflict.
In recent weeks, Trump has notably taken a tougher stance against Putin, especially after direct talks between Zelenskyy and the Russian president stalled. Trump notes that unless resolved, the conflict will not benefit Putin.
