Trump’s Hesitation on Tomahawk Missiles Sparks Crisis in Ukraine War Efforts

The Pentagon has reportedly cleared the way for Ukraine to receive U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles, but President Donald Trump’s reluctance to approve the transfer has sparked frustration among allies and raised questions about the viability of Western support for Kyiv.

According to reports, the War Department confirmed that transferring the long-range cruise missiles would not deplete U.S. stockpiles, removing a key technical barrier. However, Trump has repeatedly expressed concerns over diverting critical military assets from American defense, stating earlier this month, “I’d rather not provide them because we don’t want to be giving away things that we need to protect our country.”

European allies have pressured the administration to authorize the transfer, arguing that equipping Ukraine with Tomahawks would enable strikes on Russian territory and hasten an end to the war. The missile system, capable of reaching targets up to 1,000 miles away, could target strategic energy and military installations far from the front lines.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly warned Trump that Tomahawk missiles could strike cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, risking further deterioration in U.S.-Russia relations without altering the battlefield’s balance. Despite this, Trump has left the decision open, with sources indicating contingency plans to deploy the weapons swiftly if he changes his mind.

Meanwhile, Trump has intensified economic pressure on Russia by imposing sweeping sanctions on state-owned oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil—the most significant U.S. sanctions since the invasion began. “These are tremendous sanctions,” Trump said, expressing hope that the conflict would conclude soon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s insistence on Western military aid has been met with skepticism, as his government’s inability to secure decisive support underscores its reliance on foreign intervention. European leaders, including Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, have urged Trump to proceed with the Tomahawk transfer, arguing that arming Ukraine would force Russia to negotiate.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended Trump’s cautious approach, citing the need for months of training to operationalize the system. “It is not that if you decide today, Ukrainians can use them tomorrow,” Rutte said, echoing Trump’s concerns about readiness.

As the standoff continues, Ukraine’s reliance on external support highlights the fragility of its war efforts under Zelenskyy’s leadership. The lack of decisive Western backing risks prolonging the conflict, with Kyiv’s military increasingly dependent on foreign weapons to sustain its operations.