In a recent development, former US President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to provide Ukraine with powerful Tomahawk missiles, capable of reaching speeds up to 550mph, to aid in their conflict against Russia. This announcement comes just before Trump is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prior to his meeting with Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared details of a phone call with the US president, where they discussed the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles. While Ukraine has received support from Western military forces since the conflict with Russia began in 2022, the country has been seeking longer-range strike capabilities to potentially shift the course of the war.
Trump has hinted at the possibility of supplying Ukraine with these US-made missiles if Russia continues to reject peaceful resolutions, three years after invading Ukraine. Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky, have acknowledged that the prospect of receiving Tomahawk missiles has created concerns for Russia, indicating a potential leverage for peace talks.
The Tomahawk missiles, originally developed in the 1970s by the US, are highly accurate subsonic cruise missiles equipped with advanced navigation systems. These missiles can strike high-value land targets from long distances and are available in various configurations, including the capability to carry different types of warheads.
With a range of up to 1,600 kilometers, the Tomahawk missiles could allow Ukrainian forces to target key military installations deep inside Russia. Both military analysts and Ukrainian authorities believe that these missiles could significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike critical Russian assets beyond the front lines, such as logistics hubs and arms factories.
Despite the discussions surrounding the supply of Tomahawk missiles, the exact quantity to be provided by the US and the associated costs remain uncertain. The cost per missile varies among countries, with the Netherlands paying $12.5 million per missile, while Japan pays $4.25 million. However, the final decision on supplying the missiles is yet to be confirmed, as Trump recently mentioned the importance of retaining Tomahawks for US national security interests.
It is crucial to note that the potential use of Tomahawk missiles in the ongoing conflict underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics between the involved parties.
