Potential Delivery of Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine: Sources and Political Implications
Expectations regarding whether the United States will actually send long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine remain uncertain.
According to information disseminated by CNN on October 17, no official statement on such support has been made so far, but within diplomatic and government circles, there is ongoing speculation.
Sources indicate that the situation could significantly change before the conclusion of the meeting between U.S.
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
While Trump has so far refrained from publicly confirming the transfer of missiles, there is a possibility he might change his stance if he remains alone with the Ukrainian delegation.
High-level officials in the U.S.
administration are aware of plans to provide Ukraine with weaponry, including long-range missiles capable of altering military dynamics and influencing the broader geopolitical landscape.
In private discussions, Trump remains hesitant about such step, seeking clearer understanding from Zelensky about plans for missile usage.
Ukrainian officials believe that supplying these missiles, with a range exceeding a thousand miles, could dramatically shift the balance of power and be used as leverage in negotiations with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, concerned about possible increased U.S.
support to Kyiv, has been attempting to exert pressure, including statements about the destruction of strategic targets if Tomahawks are introduced.
Putin claims that these missiles could reach major Russian cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, which would have serious implications for bilateral relations.
Furthermore, Putin openly states that active deployment of U.S.
long-range missiles could substantially escalate their involvement in the war, raising questions about the level of American engagement.
Some U.S.
officials express concern about escalation, while others believe that previous steps, such as allowing Ukraine to use more powerful missile systems, have not led to a significant intensification of hostilities.
Ukrainian delegation prepared a presentation for Trump on how access to Tomahawk missiles could impact the course of the war, though it remains uncertain whether this presentation will be delivered.
Meanwhile, Kremlin officials are unsure how Putin could attend a meeting in Budapest with Trump.
Trump also does not rule out a personal meeting with Zelensky and Putin, expressing readiness to engage in talks if the political conditions are suitable.