Ukraine’s Desire for Tomahawk Missiles and Russia’s Concerns Explained

Recent discussions in Washington and Kyiv have brought US-made Tomahawk missiles to the forefront of international relations. President Donald Trump mentioned he has not dismissed the idea of supplying these missiles to Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. The conflict began in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Position on Tomahawk Missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he and Trump discussed the possibility of Tomahawk missiles in a recent phone call. He emphasized that such weapons could exert pressure on Russia and potentially bring about a peaceful resolution. Zelenskyy stated on October 12, “We see and hear that Russia is afraid that the Americans may give us Tomahawks.” He assured that if supplied, Ukraine would target only Russian military installations.

Russia’s Reaction

Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed the threat posed by Tomahawk missiles but acknowledged that supplying them to Ukraine would represent a significant escalation in US-Russia relations. His spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, expressed that such deliveries caused “extreme concern” in Moscow.

Technical Overview of Tomahawk Missiles

Tomahawks, known for their precision and versatility, are subsonic cruise missiles that can be launched from various platforms. They originally served as delivery systems for nuclear warheads but have since been adapted to conventional armament. Key features include:

• Range: Up to 2,500 kilometers depending on the variant.
• Operating Altitude: Capable of flying at low altitudes to evade radar detection.
• Deployment History: Utilized in conflicts in Iraq, Libya, and Syria.

Despite being developed in the 1970s, the missile remains one of the most advanced non-nuclear cruise missiles available. Military expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap describes Tomahawks as the most potent long-range missiles in the West’s arsenal.

Potential Impact on the Conflict

If Ukraine acquires Tomahawk missiles, their long-range capabilities could enable strikes on critical military installations deep within Russia. The Institute for the Study of War estimates that between 1,600 to 2,000 military targets in Russia could fall within their range. This includes significant locations such as:

• Drone factory in Alabuga, Tatarstan
• Engels-2 airbase in Saratov, a hub for launching bombers against Ukraine

Concerns Over Supply and Pricing

There are apprehensions in Ukraine about the potential scarcity of Tomahawk missiles. The exact number available to the US and the cost per missile remain uncertain. Pricing varies significantly; for example:

Using Japan’s pricing model, Ukraine could acquire approximately 117 missiles with a $500 million funding package. However, the production rate for all variants is only about 50 per year, indicating a limited supply.

Strategic Significance of Tomahawks

According to John E. Herbst, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, Trump’s potential decision to supply Tomahawk missiles would be a direct response to Russia’s refusal of peace proposals. He noted that the Kremlin’s anxiety over such a development suggests that it could affect Putin’s strategies. While Tomahawks may not change the war’s outcome, they could serve as a powerful message to push the Kremlin toward negotiations.