The United States is considering a request from Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles to bolster its defense against Russian military actions. This announcement was made by Vice President JD Vance during an interview on “Fox News Sunday.” Vance emphasized that the decision will ultimately rest with President Donald Trump, stating, “We’re certainly looking at a number of requests from the Europeans.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly raised the issue of acquiring these advanced missiles during a meeting with Trump at the recent U.N. General Assembly. The potential sale aligns with a policy established by the Trump administration, which allows for arms sales to Ukraine funded by NATO allies.
Vance elaborated on this strategy, noting, “What we’re doing is asking the Europeans to buy that weaponry that shows some European skin in the game.” He believes this approach encourages European nations to take a more active role in the conflict, fostering investment in regional security and the ongoing peace process.
Tomahawk Missile Capabilities and Russian Response
The U.S.-made Tomahawk missile boasts a range of approximately 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles), effectively putting key Russian cities within striking distance should Ukraine receive them. In response to the discussions surrounding the missile sale, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, indicated that the U.S. is directly intervening in the conflict. “Moscow has heard Washington’s statements about possible Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine and is carefully analyzing them,” Peskov said at a news conference.
He raised concerns about who would operate the missiles, questioning whether they would be directed by American forces or Ukrainian personnel.
U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg supported the idea of Ukraine conducting long-range strikes against Russia, stating, “there are no such things as sanctuaries” in warfare. Kellogg expressed confidence that Ukraine should have the means to strike deep into Russian territory.
Recent Developments in the Conflict
The backdrop to these discussions includes a significant escalation in hostilities. On October 1, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched over 600 drones and missiles at various targets across Ukraine, resulting in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries. This marked one of the largest aerial assaults Ukraine has faced since the commencement of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Trump has expressed growing frustration with Russia’s lack of willingness to negotiate a peace settlement with Ukraine. In a recent post on Truth Social, he criticized the Russian military’s performance, asserting, “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 asserted that with European support, Ukraine could reclaim its territory.
As discussions about military assistance continue, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both regional stability and international relations. The final decision regarding the sale of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine will be closely monitored as the conflict evolves.
