US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Russia that he could send long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Moscow does not settle its ongoing war, signalling a potential escalation in pressure on Vladimir Putin ’s government.
“I might say, ’Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,’” Trump told reporters as he flew to Israel. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”
Trump clarified that the step was conditional, saying: “We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up.” He added that he might speak directly with Russia about the possibility.
“Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” he said.
The warning followed a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which Trump described as “very productive.” Zelenskyy said the discussion covered strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities, along with energy sector concerns.
Trump’s comments come amid Russia’s overnight attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, part of a campaign targeting critical infrastructure before winter. Moscow has expressed “extreme concern” over potential US deliveries of Tomahawks, while Putin has previously warned that supplying long-range missiles could seriously damage US-Russia relations.
In recent weeks, Trump has taken a tougher stance on Putin, after the Russian leader declined direct talks with Zelenskyy. Last month, Trump suggested Ukraine could reclaim all territory lost to Russia, a marked shift from his earlier calls for Kyiv to negotiate concessions.
While Trump has so far resisted Zelenskyy’s request to provide Tomahawks, the missile system would enable Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, increasing pressure on Moscow to engage in peace talks. Speaking aboard air force one, Trump said, “I really think Putin would look great if he got this settled. It’s not going to be good for him if not.”
“I might say, ’Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,’” Trump told reporters as he flew to Israel. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”
Trump clarified that the step was conditional, saying: “We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up.” He added that he might speak directly with Russia about the possibility.
“Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” he said.
The warning followed a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which Trump described as “very productive.” Zelenskyy said the discussion covered strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities, along with energy sector concerns.
Trump’s comments come amid Russia’s overnight attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, part of a campaign targeting critical infrastructure before winter. Moscow has expressed “extreme concern” over potential US deliveries of Tomahawks, while Putin has previously warned that supplying long-range missiles could seriously damage US-Russia relations.
In recent weeks, Trump has taken a tougher stance on Putin, after the Russian leader declined direct talks with Zelenskyy. Last month, Trump suggested Ukraine could reclaim all territory lost to Russia, a marked shift from his earlier calls for Kyiv to negotiate concessions.
While Trump has so far resisted Zelenskyy’s request to provide Tomahawks, the missile system would enable Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, increasing pressure on Moscow to engage in peace talks. Speaking aboard air force one, Trump said, “I really think Putin would look great if he got this settled. It’s not going to be good for him if not.”
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