Trump Threatens Russia with Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine Amid Escalating War

President Trump Issues Warning Aboard Air Force One

United States President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Russia on Sunday, October 12, 2025, indicating that the U.S. might provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles if the ongoing conflict does not conclude swiftly. The remarks were made to reporters aboard Air Force One as President Trump traveled to Israel for a Gaza Peace Conference.

President Trump stated, 'If the war does not end quickly, I will send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.' He emphasized the weapon's power, adding, 'The Tomahawk is extremely powerful. I might not do it, but I want to tell Russia, 'I might do it.' Do they want the Tomahawk to come? I don't think so.' He also characterized the potential transfer as 'a new step of aggression.'

Context and Ukrainian Requests

This warning follows a formal request for long-range cruise missile support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with Trump on September 23. President Trump had previously indicated on October 6 that he had 'sort of made a decision' regarding the missiles but needed to confirm their intended use and deployment. During a phone call on October 11 or 12, President Zelenskyy reportedly pledged that the Tomahawks would be used 'only against Russian military targets.' President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with President Trump in Washington on Friday, October 17, to further discuss Ukraine's air defense and long-range strike capabilities.

Tomahawk Missile Capabilities and Strategic Implications

The Tomahawk cruise missile is a precision-guided weapon known for its long-range capabilities. Key features include:

• A maximum range of up to 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles), which would enable Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian territory, including Moscow.
• The ability to fly at extremely low altitudes and high subsonic speeds, making it difficult to detect.
• Launch capabilities from various platforms, including ships, submarines, and ground launchers.
• Advanced versions, such as the Block IV Tactical Tomahawk, can be reprogrammed in-flight and loiter over target areas.
• Older versions are capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads.

Analysts consider the Tomahawk a potential 'game-changer' in the conflict, significantly pressuring Russia's air defense systems and potentially forcing a re-evaluation of its war strategy, including the dispersal of key military facilities.

Fierce Russian Reaction to Potential Escalation

The prospect of Tomahawk missile transfers has elicited a strong response from Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the issue as 'a matter of extreme concern,' stating, 'This is a very dramatic moment when tensions are escalating in all aspects.' Peskov also highlighted that some older Tomahawk versions could carry nuclear warheads, questioning how Russia should perceive such missiles.

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and former President, issued a stark warning, suggesting that the supply of these missiles 'could end badly for everyone. And first of all – for Trump himself.' Medvedev's comments appeared to hint at a potential nuclear response from Russia if Ukraine were to use such long-range rockets against targets within Russia. Russia has consistently warned that providing long-range missiles to Kyiv would escalate the conflict and severely damage relations with the United States.