The BRICS TimesTrump’s comments came after Russia attacked Ukraine’s power grid, intensifying its effort to disrupt Ukrainian energy before winter.
Trump Warns Russia About Potential Tomahawk Support for Ukraine
President Donald Trump on Sunday signaled that he might provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles if Russia does not end the conflict quickly. He indicated readiness to apply more pressure on Vladimir Putin’s administration using this powerful 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 en route to Israel. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”
Trump also added, “I might tell them that if the war is not settled — that we may very well.” He clarified, “We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up.”
Discussion With Zelenskyy and Tomahawk Talks
Trump made these remarks following a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he said Tomahawks were mentioned.
“Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” Trump commented regarding Russia. He called Tomahawks “a new step of aggression.”
Russia’s Concern Over Energy Attacks
His statements come after Russia struck Ukraine’s power grid overnight, continuing its campaign to weaken the country’s energy infrastructure before winter. Moscow expressed “extreme concern” about the U.S. supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
Putin previously warned that U.S. delivery of long-range missiles could seriously affect Moscow-Washington relations.
Zelenskyy Calls the Discussion ‘Productive’
Zelenskyy described his latest conversation with Trump as “very productive” and discussed improving Ukraine’s “air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities,” along with energy sector issues.
In an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy said, “We work on it” regarding Tomahawks. He added, “I’m waiting for president to yes. Of course we count on such decisions, but we will see.”
U.S. Stance and Future Prospects
Trump, frustrated with Russia’s lack of cooperation, hinted last week that he has “sort of made a decision” on providing Tomahawks. A senior Ukrainian delegation is visiting the U.S. this week.
Trump recently adopted a firmer approach with Putin, as the Russian leader has avoided direct talks with Zelenskyy. Last month, Trump suggested Ukraine might reclaim all lost territories, marking a significant policy shift.
While Zelenskyy supports Tomahawks for deeper strikes into Russian territory, Trump has so far resisted. He said, “I really think Putin would look great if he got this settled” and warned, “It’s not going to be good for him” if the war continues.
