Trump Expresses Reluctance to Supply Ukraine with Tomahawk Missiles

Former US President Donald Trump has indicated that he is hesitant to approve the sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump expressed a desire for the ongoing conflict to reach a resolution that would diminish the need for such powerful weaponry. This discussion took place at the White House, shortly after a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

At the outset of their talks, Zelenskyy presented a proposal to Trump, suggesting that Ukraine could provide the United States with advanced drones in exchange for the much-needed Tomahawk missiles. Ukrainian officials believe these missiles are crucial for compelling Russia to engage seriously in peace negotiations. Despite earlier indications that he might consider the sale, Trump now appears less inclined to tap into the US supply, emphasizing the importance of maintaining readiness for potential future conflicts.

“We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks. We’d much rather have the war be over, to be honest,” Trump stated, highlighting his commitment to national security. He also noted the unpredictability of wartime scenarios and the necessity for the US to remain adequately stocked.

The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy comes on the heels of a ceasefire agreement and a hostage deal in Gaza, which Zelenskyy lauded as a moment of momentum for Trump to leverage in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “President Trump now has a big chance to finish this war,” he remarked, showing optimism about the potential for diplomatic progress.

Trump’s changing stance on the Tomahawk missiles has disappointed Ukrainian officials, as he had previously shown openness to the idea. Following his conversation with Putin, however, he began downplaying the likelihood of supplying Ukraine with these missiles, which have a range of approximately 995 miles. Zelenskyy has advocated for acquiring the Tomahawks to enable Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting essential military sites and infrastructure.

Putin, through his foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, warned that supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles would not alter the battlefield dynamics but could significantly damage US-Russian relations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha remarked that discussions of the Tomahawk sale have already pushed Putin towards negotiations. He stressed that strong measures are necessary to create momentum for peace.

During the meeting, Zelenskyy also explored potential energy deals with the United States. He proposed storing American liquefied natural gas in Ukrainian facilities, which would bolster the American presence in the European energy market. This strategy is part of a broader effort to restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following Russian assaults and to enhance the involvement of American businesses in the country.

This meeting marks the fourth direct interaction between Trump and Zelenskyy since Trump resumed office in January 2024, and their second meeting in less than a month. Trump announced after his call with Putin that he would soon meet the Russian leader in Budapest to discuss strategies for ending the conflict. It remains uncertain whether Zelenskyy will be part of those discussions, as Trump suggested that a “double meeting” involving both leaders might be the most effective approach to facilitate productive negotiations.

“These two leaders do not like each other, and we want to make it comfortable for everybody,” Trump added, indicating a desire for diplomacy that respects the sensitivities of both parties involved in the conflict.