Donald Trump revealed he is contemplating a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to resolve the war in Ukraine, and threatened to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles if Putin doesn’t intervene. The former president made the remarks while traveling to the Middle East and as he touted his role in negotiating a hostage ceasefire deal.
The potential shift in U.S. policy comes as Ukraine continues to press for advanced weaponry to counter Russia’s invasion. Supplying Ukraine with 1,500-mile-range Tomahawk missiles would dramatically increase Kyiv’s ability to strike targets deep within Russian territory, including Moscow itself. Trump indicated he discussed the possibility with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during recent phone conversations.
“They would like to have Tomahawks. That’s an escalation,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. He added,”I might have to talk to Russia,to be honest,about the Tomahawks.”
Trump framed the potential missile transfer as a leverage point,stating,”I could say,’Look,if this war isn’t going to be resolved,I’m going to send them Tomahawks.'” He described the tomahawk as “an incredible weapon, a very offensive weapon,” and suggested Russia wouldn’t benefit from its deployment.
Zelensky has consistently requested Tomahawk missiles from the United States. Trump,while highlighting his success in securing a hostage ceasefire in Gaza,drew a parallel to the ukraine conflict,stating,”Never give up. Just never give up.”
