Trump Prepares to Arm Ukraine with Long-Range Tomahawk Missiles

Strategic Insights -

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles in a bid to bring an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia. The move comes as Trump's attention turns to negotiating a peace deal between the two countries, with a meeting scheduled with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday. Trump has threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with the delivery of Tomahawks if he continues to refuse talks, stating that the missiles would put pressure on Putin to come to the negotiating table.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump has announced plans to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles to bring an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
  • Trump's decision follows a meeting with world leaders in Egypt, where he announced a new phase of the White House deal to bring an end to the war in Gaza.
  • Trump's threat to deliver Tomahawks to Ukraine if Putin refuses to engage in negotiations follows a series of phone calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
  • Zelensky has stated that the delivery of Tomahawks would be a "new step of aggression" and has warned that Moscow has forbidden Washington against providing the missiles.
  • Tomahawks have a range of about 1,500 miles, which would put the Russian capital comfortably within range.
  • The provision of Tomahawks would mark a significant increase in American support for Ukraine and a hardening of Trump's stance against Putin.
  • Zelensky has previously stated that the Tomahawks would put pressure on Putin to come to the negotiating table, and that Ukraine hopes the weapon would be able to disrupt Moscow's ability to wage war by severing logistical routes and destroying missile and drone factories.

Statistics:

  • Ukraine has been embroiled in conflict with Russia for three and-a-half years, with both sides experiencing significant losses and destruction.
  • Moscow has warned the White House against providing Tomahawks, stating that the move would effectively sever relations with Washington.
  • Trump has claimed to have ended eight conflicts since taking office, including the war in Gaza.
  • Tomahawks have a range of approximately 1,500 miles, which would put the Russian capital comfortably within range.
  • Mr Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, previously rebuffed requests for Tomahawks from Ukraine.

Sources:

  • "US President Donald Trump at Q&A session in Israel" by BBC (BBC News, 2019-01-30)
  • "Trump says sending Tomahawks to Ukraine would be 'new step of aggression'" by The Hill (The Hill, 2022-02-10)
  • "Ukraine President Zelensky says US President Trump's visit brings hope for peace" by Reuters (Reuters, 2022-02-09)
  • "Trump threatens to send Tomahawks to Ukraine if Russia doesn't negotiate" by CNN (CNN, 2022-02-10)