U.S. weighs Tomahawk Missile transfer to Ukraine Amid Escalation Concerns
The Biden management is considering providing Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, weapons capable of striking deep within Russian territory, despite fears of escalating the conflict with Moscow. The BGM-109 Tomahawk has a range of up to 1,600 kilometers adn a speed of 880 km/h, flying at a low altitude.
The potential transfer comes as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure at the start of winter and claims responsibility for capturing three ukrainian villages in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. While the U.S. has been hesitant due to escalation risks,Ukraine views the missiles as crucial for a counteroffensive capability.
Reports indicate the U.S. may only allocate a limited number – between 20 and 50 – of Tomahawk missiles,a quantity the Financial Times suggests “will not fundamentally change the dynamics of the war.” The Pentagon plans to purchase 57 tomahawk missiles in 2026.
Former President Donald Trump may play a role in influencing European allies, particularly Germany, to follow suit with supplying similar weaponry, according to the Kyiv Post.
The Kremlin has warned of further escalation. On Thursday, Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “Our soldiers no 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 a “new escalation” between Moscow and Washington.
