Trump, Zelensky Discuss Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine Defense/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelensky discussed the possible transfer of U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles. The weapons could allow Ukraine to strike deeper inside Russia. Talks continue as both sides weigh strategic and diplomatic consequences.
Tomahawk Missile Talks for Ukraine Quick Looks
- Trump and Zelensky held a 30-minute call on Saturday.
- Discussion centered on possible supply of U.S. Tomahawk missiles.
- Zelensky called the call “very positive and productive.”
- Tomahawks would enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory.
- Zelensky argues they could pressure Putin toward negotiations.
- Trump has not made a final decision on missile supply.
- Zelensky thanked Trump for his role in Gaza peace talks.
- Russia calls Tomahawk supply a major escalation in the war.
- U.S. reportedly assessing how Ukraine would use such weapons.
- Senior Ukrainian officials will visit Washington next week for talks.
Trump, Zelensky Discuss Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine Defense
Deep Look
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the potential delivery of Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine during a phone call on Saturday, two sources familiar with the matter told Axios.
The 30-minute call, which Zelensky described as “very positive and productive,” marks a new phase in discussions over military support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. According to sources, no final decision has been made regarding the transfer of the U.S.-made cruise missiles, but the talks signal serious consideration from the Trump camp.
Strategic Importance of Tomahawk Missiles
The inclusion of Tomahawk missiles in Ukraine’s arsenal would represent a dramatic increase in long-range strike capability. These missiles have far greater range and destructive power than any weapons Ukraine currently possesses. Crucially, they could reach targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow — a strategic shift that Ukraine hopes would force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
In a statement following the call, Zelensky expressed appreciation for Trump’s willingness to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. “I informed President Trump about Russia’s attacks on our energy system — and I appreciate his willingness to support us,” Zelensky said. “We discussed opportunities to bolster our air defense, as well as concrete agreements that we are working on.”
He added, “There are good options and solid ideas on how to truly strengthen us. There needs to be readiness on the Russian side to engage in real diplomacy — this can be achieved through strength.”
Zelensky also congratulated Trump on brokering the recent Gaza peace deal, drawing a parallel between that agreement and the potential for resolving the war in Ukraine.
“If that war could be ended, then surely other wars can be stopped as well,” he noted.
Trump’s Position and Next Steps
Earlier in the week, Trump stated he had “sort of made a decision” about permitting the sale of Tomahawks to NATO countries, with the expectation that they would then supply them to Ukraine. However, Trump has reportedly asked for more details about how Ukraine plans to use the weapons before committing to the transfer.
The missile request isn’t new. Zelensky reportedly made the same appeal during a sideline meeting at the UN General Assembly last month, saying that simply acquiring the missiles could serve as a deterrent — even if Ukraine never launches them.
“Just having them could be enough to bring Putin to the table,” Zelensky argued.
The Tomahawk cruise missile, developed by the U.S., is capable of striking high-value targets such as arms depots, military infrastructure, and supply hubs — key assets that Ukraine currently struggles to reach with drones and shorter-range munitions.
Russia Reacts to Escalation
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded sharply on Sunday, calling the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine a “completely new stage of escalation.” Moscow has long warned against the transfer of longer-range Western weapons to Kyiv, and such a move could provoke retaliation or greater military mobilization.
The Kremlin has not commented on specific countermeasures but has consistently signaled that such decisions by the West cross red lines in the conflict.
Upcoming High-Level Meetings in Washington
Looking ahead, Ukraine plans to send a senior delegation to Washington next week, led by Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, according to Ukrainian officials.
The visit aims to solidify security cooperation with the U.S., explore expanded military aid, and press for tougher sanctions against Russia. The delegation will meet with officials across several government agencies and defense sectors, underscoring Ukraine’s urgency in bolstering support as winter approaches and energy infrastructure remains under attack.
Zelensky has made it clear: Ukraine needs stronger weapons, not just to defend its territory, but also to shift the momentum diplomatically. Whether Trump agrees to green-light the delivery of Tomahawks — directly or through NATO intermediaries — could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the war.
As of now, the White House has not commented on the latest Trump-Zelensky call or the evolving policy on long-range missile transfers.
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