Trump’s Bold 2025 Move: Tomahawk Missile Warning to Russia

Washington, October 12, 2025 — Trump’s Bold 2025 Move: Tomahawk Missile Warning to Russia — deemed a ‘New Step of Aggression.’ US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Russia that he may authorize the transfer of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine if Moscow fails to settle the ongoing war, signaling a major escalation in the United States’ approach to the conflict.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump described the potential move as “a new step of aggression” and a necessary measure to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into ending hostilities.

Trump’s Bold 2025 Move: Tomahawk Missile Warning to Russia

Trump’s Warning from Air Force One

“I might say, ‘Look, if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,’” Trump told journalists traveling with him. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon — very offensive — and honestly, Russia does not need that,” he added.

The president emphasized that the decision has not been finalized but said he would “likely bring it up” with Russian officials. “I might tell them that if the war is not settled — that we may very well, we may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up,” Trump stated.

His remarks came hours after a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been urging Washington to strengthen Kyiv’s long-range strike capabilities.

Tomahawk Missiles: A Potential Game-Changer

The Tomahawk missile, a precision-guided, long-range cruise weapon, can strike targets up to 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) away — a range that would bring Moscow and major Russian infrastructure within Ukrainian reach.

The missiles have been a central part of US naval and strategic arsenals for decades, known for their use in conflicts from Iraq to Libya.

If transferred, they would mark a significant escalation in US military support for Kyiv, potentially altering the war’s trajectory and deepening tensions between Washington and Moscow.

Trump’s statements mark the first time he has openly acknowledged considering sending Tomahawks to Ukraine — a move that, if executed, would represent one of the boldest decisions of his presidency.

Zelensky–Trump Call: Push for Long-Range Weapons

According to Kyiv, Trump and Zelensky’s phone conversation on Sunday was “very productive.” Zelensky said the two leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, energy resilience, and long-range capabilities to counter intensifying Russian assaults.

“Of course, we count on such decisions,” Zelensky told Fox News. “We will see. We are waiting for the president to say yes.”

Ukraine has repeatedly requested long-range strike systems, arguing that they are essential to target Russian logistics and command centers deep within occupied or Russian territory.

Also Read: Why are US Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine a ‘red line’ for Russia?

Russia’s Response: ‘Extreme Concern’ Over US Move

The Kremlin reacted swiftly to Trump’s comments. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow views the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles as a matter of “extreme concern.”

“Whether it’s Tomahawks or other long-range missiles, they will not change the outcome of the conflict,” Peskov said, accusing Washington of “fuelling escalation under the pretext of peace.”

President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that supplying Kyiv with long-range weaponry would cross a “red line,” risking direct confrontation between Russia and the United States.

Russia’s Renewed Attacks on Ukraine’s Power Grid

Trump’s comments came amid a renewed Russian assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, part of a campaign to cripple the nation’s power grid ahead of winter.

Ukrainian officials reported extensive blackouts and damage to power substations following drone and missile attacks on multiple cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.

The escalation underscores Kyiv’s argument that long-range weapons are crucial to defending its population and deterring future strikes.

Shift in Trump’s Stance Toward Russia

President Trump’s latest remarks reflect a notable shift in his tone toward Moscow. Earlier in his presidency, Trump urged Kyiv to consider concessions to achieve peace. But in recent weeks, frustration has grown within the White House over Putin’s refusal to engage directly with Zelensky.

“I really think Mr. Putin would look great if he got this settled,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.
“It’s not going to be good for him if not,” he added, hinting at personal diplomacy with the Russian leader.

Last month, Trump told reporters he now believes Ukraine could reclaim all the territory it lost to Russia — a dramatic reversal from his earlier skepticism.

Background: Ukraine’s Plea for Long-Range Capabilities

Ukraine has sought advanced Western weapons since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

While the US has provided ATACMS tactical missiles, artillery, and air-defense systems, Kyiv argues that Tomahawks and other long-range precision weapons would offer the deterrence needed to strike deep into Russian command centers and supply lines.

Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, recently told Fox News:

“There are no such things as sanctuaries in this war. If Russia can strike Kyiv, Ukraine must be able to strike back.”

The statement added fuel to speculation that the US administration had quietly authorized limited deep-strike operations in Russian territory — though officials have neither confirmed nor denied such claims.

Diplomatic Leverage or Military Escalation?

Analysts suggest Trump may be using the threat of Tomahawk deployment as diplomatic leverage, seeking to pressure Moscow into serious negotiations rather than immediate military escalation.

“This is likely a signaling tactic — a warning to Russia that US patience is running thin,” said Michael Carpenter, a former US ambassador to the OSCE. “However, if carried out, it would fundamentally alter the calculus of the conflict.”

Critics, including some European allies, warn that supplying long-range missiles could provoke retaliation and expand the war beyond Ukraine’s borders. Supporters counter that only credible deterrence will force Putin to compromise.

Zelensky’s Strategic Calculus

For President Zelensky, the prospect of Tomahawks represents both hope and high stakes.
The Ukrainian leader faces mounting domestic pressure to recover occupied regions while maintaining Western unity and public support amid war fatigue.

In recent interviews, Zelensky has described his relationship with Trump as “open and pragmatic,” adding that the US president’s willingness to “rethink” previous limits on weapon transfers gives Ukraine “a real chance to win.”

Zelensky also acknowledged discussions about securing additional ATACMS tactical missiles and “various long-range precision strike weapons,” signaling Kyiv’s determination to expand its strike capabilities.

Could Tomahawks Change the Course of the War?

Experts say Tomahawks would give Ukraine a new level of strategic reach. With a range of 2,500 km, they could target military airfields, ammunition depots, and infrastructure deep inside Russia — potentially shifting the psychological and operational dynamics of the war.

However, Russia’s vast air defense systems, including S-400 and S-500 interceptors, could limit their effectiveness. Military analysts also note that integrating Tomahawks into Ukraine’s systems would require complex technical coordination with US forces.

Still, the psychological impact could be profound — showing that Ukraine can strike back at the heart of Russia’s war machinery.

US–Ukraine Relations Enter a New Phase

Trump’s public consideration of Tomahawk deliveries represents a turning point in US–Ukraine relations.
It reflects growing American impatience with Russia’s continued offensives and signals that Washington may be willing to take greater risks to restore stability in Europe.

A senior Ukrainian delegation is expected in Washington this week, where long-range weapon systems are expected to top the agenda.
Pentagon officials have declined to comment on whether such transfers are under active review.

For now, Trump’s remarks appear to serve both diplomatic and strategic purposes — warning Putin of potential consequences while reassuring Zelensky of continued US commitment.

Conclusion: A New Phase in US–Russia Tensions

As the Russia–Ukraine war grinds into its fourth year, the possibility of the United States arming Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles underscores how volatile the geopolitical landscape has become.

Whether the move remains a rhetorical threat or a real policy shift, Trump’s words have already intensified speculation that the conflict is entering a decisive new phase.

For Moscow, Washington’s message is clear: the longer the war drags on, the greater the risk that Ukraine’s arsenal will grow stronger — and deadlier.

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