Kathrine Frich
Washington officials have moved closer to approving a new round of military aid for Kyiv.
The Pentagon has cleared a plan to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, but the final political decision now rests with President Donald Trump.
Pentagon approval
According to three US and European officials quoted by CNN, the Pentagon’s Joint Staff informed the White House that delivering Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would not weaken America’s own reserves.
The assessment was completed earlier this month before Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington.
The long-range Tomahawk, which can strike targets up to 1,000 miles away, would allow Ukraine to hit oil and energy facilities deep inside Russian territory.
European diplomats welcomed the clearance, saying the United States “now has fewer excuses” not to send the weapons.
Presidential hesitation
Trump appeared cautious about the decision. During a lunch with Zelensky, he said the United States “needs” the missiles to protect itself and was not ready to provide them “at least not yet.”
His comments came only days after he had told reporters that America had “a lot of Tomahawks” that could be shared.
CNN reported that Trump’s hesitation followed a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Kremlin leader allegedly warned that Tomahawk strikes could threaten Russian cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg and worsen relations with Washington.
Political considerations
While Trump has not removed the missiles from consideration, the administration has drawn up plans to deliver them quickly if he authorises it.
Officials said Trump recently grew frustrated with Putin’s unwillingness to hold peace talks and responded by approving new sanctions on Russian oil firms.
A planned meeting between the two leaders in Budapest has also been postponed.
The Pentagon said it is not concerned about stockpile levels but acknowledged that Ukraine would face challenges training and deploying the missiles.
Tomahawks are designed for launch from ships or submarines, and Ukraine’s navy is limited.
Operational questions
US defence officials said ground-based launchers used by the Marine Corps and Army could be supplied.
European officials added that Ukrainian engineers have already adapted other NATO systems, such as the British Storm Shadow missile, to fit Soviet-era aircraft.
In a message on X, Zelensky said Ukraine intends to expand its long-range capabilities before the end of the year.
“All deep-strike goals must be fully locked in by year’s end, including expansion of our long-range footprint,” he wrote.
Sources: CNN, Reuters, US Department of Defense, European officials.
