President Donald Trump is considering selling long-range, precision-guided Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine to help the country defend itself more effectively against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Speaking after a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said Ukraine “needs Patriots very badly” and “would like to have Tomahawks — that’s a step up.” The two leaders will meet in Washington this Friday to discuss ways to improve Ukraine’s air defenses and increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump emphasized his preference for a strategic, diplomatic approach. “We’ll see,” he said. “I might have to speak to Russia, to be honest with you. Do they want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.”
If approved, the sale would represent a major upgrade to Ukraine’s capabilities. Tomahawk cruise missiles—made by Raytheon, part of RTX Corporation—can strike targets nearly 1,000 miles away with high precision. Used in conflicts from the Gulf War to recent operations in Yemen and Iran, the missiles can be reprogrammed mid-flight and launched from ships, submarines, or ground-based platforms.
While Russia has warned that sending Tomahawks to Ukraine would be a “serious escalation,” Trump has repeatedly said his goal is to end the war through negotiation, not endless spending or entanglement.
Several U.S. allies, including the U.K., Australia, and Japan, already field Tomahawk missiles. Ukraine would likely use a ground-based version if a deal proceeds, as it currently lacks ships or submarines equipped to fire them.
Trump’s potential move underscores his ongoing effort to help Ukraine defend itself while maintaining control over America’s global commitments and avoiding open-ended conflict with Moscow.
