U.S. Weighs Tomahawk Missile Transfer to Ukraine Amid Escalation Concerns
The United States is considering providing Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, weapons capable of striking deep within Russian territory, as Moscow intensifies attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The BGM-109 Tomahawk can travel up to 1,600 kilometers at 880 km/h, flying a few dozen meters above ground.
The potential transfer comes as Russia claimed duty for capturing three Ukrainian villages in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions on Friday. While ukraine seeks the missiles to counter Russian advances, the U.S. has expressed hesitation due to fears of escalating the conflict and increasing tensions with Russia.
even if approved, the U.S. may only allocate a limited number – between 20 and 50 – according to a report in the Financial Times on October 13, a quantity deemed unlikely to “fundamentally change the dynamics of the war.” the U.S. plans to purchase 57 Tomahawk missiles in 2026, according to Pentagon budget data.
Donald Trump has suggested he could leverage European allies, notably Germany, to follow suit in supplying long-range weaponry. Kyiv Post reported Trump could attempt to force allies to provide support, specifically regarding Taurus missiles.
The Kremlin has warned of further escalation. On Thursday, Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “Our soldiers know what they have to do; they have the military potential and all the necessary capabilities. Every effort will also be made to continue the special military operation until all its objectives are achieved.” Earlier this month, Putin labeled sending Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv as a “new escalation” between Moscow and Washington.
