The U.S. Department of Defense has approved the delivery of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, assessing that the move would not compromise America’s strategic stockpiles. However, the final word lies with President Donald Trump, according to American and European officials familiar with the matter.
The Pentagon’s evaluation was presented to the White House earlier this month, just before Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. Zelensky had reportedly requested the missiles to target Russian oil and energy facilities more effectively. With a range of about 1,600 kilometers, the Tomahawk would significantly expand Ukraine’s strike capability deep into Russian territory.
European allies have welcomed the Pentagon’s green light, arguing that the U.S. has removed the last obstacle to delivery. “This removes any excuse for further delay,” said two European diplomats, noting that Trump himself had recently said the U.S. had “plenty of Tomahawks that could be sent to Ukraine.”
Shortly after that meeting, however, Trump shifted his position. During a working lunch with Zelensky, he reportedly stated that the U.S. “needs” the missiles and privately told him that he would not authorize the transfer “for now.”
His reversal came just one day after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to CNN sources, Putin warned that the Tomahawks could hit major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, claiming they would cause “irreparable damage” to U.S.–Russia relations without changing the situation on the battlefield. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon commented on these reports.
Although Trump has not definitively ruled out the move, U.S. defense officials have prepared contingency plans for rapid deployment should he approve it. Meanwhile, frustration is reportedly growing in Washington over Putin’s refusal to engage in peace talks. As a response, Trump’s administration recently imposed new sanctions on Russian oil companies and canceled a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest.
While Pentagon officials believe missile supplies are sufficient, they admit practical challenges remain — particularly in training Ukrainian forces and launching the weapons. Tomahawks are typically launched from ships or submarines, and Ukraine’s naval capacity has been severely reduced. The country would likely require land-based launchers similar to those used by U.S. Marines.
Nonetheless, European defense sources say Ukrainian engineers have repeatedly shown ingenuity under pressure. They previously modified British Storm Shadow missiles to launch from Soviet-era jets — a precedent suggesting that Kyiv could adapt again if Washington approves the Tomahawks.
