Camilla Jessen
After speaking with Putin, Trump said the US cannot deplete its Tomahawk stockpiles.
President Donald Trump said the United States has Tomahawk cruise missiles but cannot “deplete our country’s stockpile.”
Trump told reporters he spoke with Putin before meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Oct. 17 and that Moscow objected to any transfer of long‑range Tomahawks because it would damage U.S.–Russia relations.
The Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov conveyed Putin’s warning about “serious consequences” if the missiles were supplied.
Why Tomahawks matter — and why Moscow fears them
Analysts say the missiles would give Kyiv the ability to strike deep into Russian rear areas, disrupting logistics and bases.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) estimates that an extended‑range Tomahawk could place roughly 1,945 known Russian military sites within reach, while a shorter variant would still cover more than 1,600 targets.
Trump has signalled he was “almost” ready to approve Tomahawk transfers but wanted to hear both Putin and Zelenskyy before deciding, leaving Washington caught between boosting Ukraine’s long‑range strike options and avoiding a direct confrontation with Russia.
Friday’s White House meeting with Zelenskyy will test whether Kyiv’s push for long‑range systems persuades Washington to accept the military and diplomatic costs.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
