Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
According to J. D. Vance, the U.S. is considering supplying Ukraine with the long-distance missile.
According to J. D. Vance, the U.S. is considering supplying Ukraine with the long-distance missile.
What is happening?
The Trump administration is reviewing a formal request from Ukraine to acquire long-range Tomahawk missiles, Vice President JD Vance revealed on Sunday.
The move is part of Ukraine’s ongoing push to strengthen its defense against Russia’s continued invasion.
The proposal is currently under consideration, with key discussions underway in Washington.
Zelenskyy proposes indirect missile transfer
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that the U.S. sell Tomahawk missiles to European allies, who would then transfer them to Ukraine.
Vice President Vance said President Donald Trump will make the final decision on whether to approve the plan.
“We’re certainly looking at a number of requests from the Europeans,” Vance added during his Fox News appearance.
Tomahawk missiles could boost Ukraine’s defense
Capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) away, Tomahawk missiles would represent a major upgrade to Ukraine’s long-range capabilities.
As the country faces frequent Russian missile and drone assaults, these precision-guided weapons could help Ukraine respond more effectively and protect civilian infrastructure.
But it could also give Ukraine a strategic advantage, potantially forcing the Russian army to pull back.
What can Ukraine hit with Tomahawks?
Using a map tool, we have tried to measure how far into Russia, Ukraine would be able to hit, if they are supplied with Tomahawk missiles.
Even though, the Tomahawks have a reach of up to 2500 kilometres /1550 miles), we have measured a reach of 2100 kilometres (1300 miles) to make the measurement more realistic.
We’ve put the launching point in Kiyv.
Moscow and St. Petersburg in reach
The most prominent possible targets are the major Russian cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Especially Moscow is important in this instance, as it is the center of power for the Russian government.
The heart of Russia’s drone production
Another possible target is the heart of Russia’s drone production in Kazan in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tartarstan.
The Tu-160 Strategic bomber is also produced in this zone.
West of Ukraine, it would be possible to hit the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, but this would be highly controversial, as this would mean that the Tomahawks should travel through NATO airspace.
Iskander-production
The mobile Russian missile system, Iskander, is a constant threat to the Ukrainian defense, as it can launch both ballistic and crusie missiles.
The system is produced in Yekaterinburg, which would be within reach of the Tomahawks – especially since this map is using a smaller radius for the Tomahawks than the claimed maximum.
Several sites for production of munitions
Russia is producing both munitions and artillery at several sites, and with the Tomahawks, Ukraine would be able to take out five of the most notable.
These targets are placed in Yekaterinburg. Kazan, Dzerzhinsk near Novgorod, Kolomna near Moscow and Akhtubinsk near Volgograd in the South of Russia.
Could force Russia to pull back
Russia is trying to break through the Ukrainian defense with several smaller assault groups before initating a larger campaign.
However, in order to launch a large-scale campagin, the Russian army needs logistics to keep supplying their forces with munition, food and medical equipment.
By attacking deep in Russian territory, Ukraine would be able to disrupt Russian logistics, making it much more difficult for the Russian forces to stage a large campaing.
Could pave the way for a counter-offensive
By disrupting Russian supply lines, Ukraine would theoretically be able to launch a large-scale counter-offensive of it’s own.
This would however require massive planning a manpower, making it unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Trump growing frustrated with Putin
Although Trump has previously blocked Ukraine’s access to long-range missile systems, his stance may be evolving.
Vance noted the president’s growing frustration with Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to reach a peace agreement.
Trump approves Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia
Amid the discussions about Tomahawk missiles, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly authorized Ukraine to launch long-range attacks within Russian territory, according to Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine.
Speaking on Fox News, Kellogg confirmed Kyiv now has clearance to target deep behind enemy lines.
“The answer is yes—use the ability to strike deep,” he said, adding that “nothing is off-limits.”
Signals of support from top U.S. officials
Kellogg’s remarks align with recent statements from key figures in the Trump administration.
Both Secretary of State Marco Rubio (picture) and Vice President J.D. Vance have made comments suggesting support for expanded Ukrainian strike capabilities.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
