Trump threatens Tomahawk missile supply to Ukraine as warning shot to Putin

By Manisha Sahu, America News World October 13, 2025

In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he may authorize the transfer of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine if Moscow does not move swiftly to settle the war. The move, announced on October 12 while Trump was aboard Air Force One, marks a sharper U.S. posture toward Russia—one that could shift the dynamics of the conflict and provoke significant diplomatic and military counterreactions.

Trump: “We may very well” send Tomahawks if war continues

Speaking to reporters midflight en route to Israel and Egypt, Trump revealed that discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy included the possibility of providing Ukraine with more advanced long-range weapons, such as Tomahawk cruise missiles. Trump said he might tell Putin that if the war is not settled, “we may very well” supply them—though he stopped short of a firm commitment.

He described the Tomahawk as “an incredible weapon, a very offensive weapon” and added: “Honestly, Russia does not need that.” Trump suggested that he might consult or warn Moscow first before proceeding, acknowledging that the decision would depend on how Ukraine would use the missiles.

In earlier statements, Trump made clear that the United States would not directly hand the missile systems to Ukraine. Instead, he floated the idea of routing them through NATO allies, who could then transfer them to Kyiv.

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Zelensky: missiles will be used only for military targets, not civilians

In response, Zelenskyy sought to allay concerns by pledging that Ukraine would use the Tomahawks exclusively for military targets, not civilian areas within Russia. He framed the weapons as a deterrent and pressure instrument to compel Moscow toward negotiations.

During his public remarks, Zelenskyy described his weekend conversations with Trump as “very productive,” noting they covered strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, energy resilience, and long-range strike capabilities.

He did not confirm a final agreement but expressed hope that a decision would come soon: “We work on it. I’m waiting for the president to say yes.”



Russia warns of “dramatic escalation”

The Kremlin responded swiftly and emphatically. Russian officials labeled the possible supply of Tomahawks as a “new step of aggression” and warned that it would mark a dramatic escalation in the conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the “topic of Tomahawks is of extreme concern”—a warning that the United States is treading dangerous ground.

President Putin himself has previously asserted that supplying Ukraine with such weapons could cross a red line and bring the conflict into a new phase—one of direct U.S. involvement.

Putin has also warned that because Ukraine would likely need U.S. personnel or technical support to operate the missiles, the transfer would amount to American participation in the war.

Russian analysts argue that such an escalation could provoke retaliation or a response from Moscow, potentially targeting transatlantic interests.


Strategic weight of Tomahawk missiles

Tomahawk cruise missiles possess a range of roughly 2,500 km (about 1,550 miles), which would allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russian territory—including parts of Moscow—if deployed.

Some variants of Tomahawk are capable of delivering submunitions or payloads designed to disable high-value infrastructure. Critics worry that transferred missiles could be employed to undermine Russia’s defense or logistics nodes far behind the front lines.

That said, others caution that while spectacular in range, Tomahawks are not necessarily a war-winning game changer. Complex targeting, logistics, and countermeasures could blunt their impact. Russia has already improved its air defenses and early warning systems, making long-range incursions riskier.


Context: energy grid attacks and pressure campaign

Trump’s warning comes amid a renewed Russian campaign targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Overnight strikes have damaged power grids across Kyiv, Donetsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv, raising fears of mass blackouts ahead of the winter.

Ukrainian officials say these attacks are part of Russia’s strategy to weaken civilian morale and complicate governance in Kyiv-controlled regions.

Earlier this month, Ukraine’s counteroffensive in southern Zaporizhzhia and parts of Donetsk made incremental gains, but its momentum is sensitive to external support and resupply.

Within this crucible, many in Kyiv view long-range strike capabilities not just as a military tool—but as a diplomatic lever to force Russia to negotiate from a position of weakness.


Implications & risks

If Trump moves ahead with approving the Tomahawk supply, the war could enter an entirely new chapter:

Escalation risks: Moscow may treat the delivery as direct U.S. engagement, potentially prompting counterstrikes, sanctions retaliation, or targeting of Western assets.

Alliance pressure: NATO members and European partners would face pressure to align with or resist the U.S. initiative, raising alliance cohesion challenges.

Provoking strategic dilemmas: Russian deterrents—nuclear threats, cyberattacks, or asymmetric warfare—could come into play if it perceives existential threats.

Operational challenges: Ukraine must show credible plans for targeting, command & control integration, logistics, and deconfliction to avoid misfires or collateral damage.

Diplomatic fallout: U.S.-Russia relations would deteriorate sharply; diplomacy—already strained over Crimea, sanctions, and Ukraine—could collapse further.


However, Trump’s cautious wording suggests he is aware of these hazards. He is reportedly seeking assurances from Kyiv about target selection, civilian safeguards, and command protocols.


What’s next

A senior Ukrainian delegation is expected to visit Washington soon to press the case for advanced weapons, including Tomahawks.

Trump may hold further internal deliberations, possibly consulting NATO partners before making a final decision.

Moscow is likely to continue issuing stern warnings and may begin countermeasures depending on how the U.S. proceeds.

On the battlefield, the dynamics may shift if Ukraine gains the ability to threaten high-value Russian targets beyond the immediate front.


At the core, Trump’s threat to approve Tomahawks underscores Washington’s frustration with stalled diplomacy and Moscow’s unwillingness to negotiate. Whether this ultimatum becomes action remains to be seen—but the stage is set for a potential turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war.