Key points
- Tomahawks could target Russian energy and infrastructure
- European allies relieved by missile availability plans
- Putin warns US missile deliveries may escalate conflict
WASHINTON: The Pentagon has authorised the provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, deeming the move unlikely to impact US stockpiles, according to US and European officials. However, the final decision rests with President Donald Trump.
CNN reported on Friday that the Pentagon’s assessment was delivered to the White House earlier this month, just before Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington. Ukraine had requested the missiles to target energy and infrastructure within Russia.
The Tomahawk system, which has a range of around 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres), is typically launched from ships or submarines, reports Anadolu Agency.
US defence officials mentioned that several operational aspects, such as training and deployment methods, are still being reviewed.
The Pentagon’s assessment was met positively by several European allies, who expressed relief over concerns regarding missile availability. Plans have already been drafted to expedite the supply of the systems should the president approve the transfer.
Long-range strike capability
During a working lunch with Zelenskyy at the White House, Trump remarked that the US “needs” the Tomahawks and does not want to “be giving away things that we need to protect our country.”
According to CNN, Trump’s stance shifted after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pointed out that the Tomahawks could reach Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, and would negatively affect bilateral relations.
Neither the White House nor the Pentagon have commented on the matter.
Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine aims to enhance its long-range strike capability by the end of the year, noting that “global sanctions and our pinpoint precision are practically syncing up to end this war on terms fair for Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, Putin and the Kremlin have repeatedly warned that US deliveries of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could lead to a “serious escalation.”
