Payam Javan: President Donald Trump has signaled a major escalation in U.S. support for Ukraine, revealing on October 12 that he may authorize the transfer of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to end the war. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump told reporters he discussed the advanced weapons system with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting that the missiles would be sold to NATO first before being provided to Ukraine. The announcement represents a significant shift in the administration’s approach to the conflict and demonstrates Trump’s willingness to use military leverage to bring Russia to the negotiating table.
The Tomahawk cruise missiles, manufactured by Raytheon, possess a striking range of approximately 1,000 miles, which would enable Ukrainian forces to target locations as distant as Moscow. Trump characterized the potential delivery as “a new step of aggression” while emphasizing that Russia “does not need” such an escalation. The president suggested he might personally warn Putin about the consequences of continuing the war, stating he could tell the Russian leader that if the conflict remains unsettled, the United States may proceed with the transfer. This strategic approach reflects Trump’s negotiating style of combining pressure with diplomatic outreach.
President Zelenskyy confirmed his recent conversations with Trump, announcing they had discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems, resilience capabilities, and long-range strike options during their second call in two days. The Ukrainian leader expressed appreciation for Trump’s detailed knowledge of the battlefield situation and confirmed that both teams are working on preparations for continued dialogue. Meanwhile, Putin has previously warned that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would trigger a “completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation” in the conflict, though he downplayed their potential impact on the battlefield balance of power.
Vice President JD Vance told Fox News in September that European nations would cover the costs of any Tomahawk sale if approved, underscoring the administration’s position that allies should bear more financial responsibility for regional security. Trump has made clear his primary objective is preventing further escalation while simultaneously pressuring Russia toward a negotiated settlement. The president’s calculated approach of threatening military aid as leverage demonstrates his commitment to ending the conflict through strength-based diplomacy rather than allowing the war to continue indefinitely.
