Kathrine Frich
Tomahawks would more than triple their reach.
Tomahawks would more than triple their reach.
Could Ukraine Soon Strike Deep Into Russia?
Reports suggest U.S. President Donald Trump may be considering supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
This move, if realized, would mark a massive leap in Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities and dramatically expand the range of targets Kyiv could hit inside Russia.
Trump Floats the Idea in Talks With Zelensky
Sources say Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky if U.S.-supplied long-range weapons could be used to target key Russian cities.
Though the White House has downplayed the remarks, press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified Trump was “merely asking a question.”
Tomahawk Missiles Explained
The Tomahawk is a subsonic, precision-guided cruise missile with a range between 1,600 and 2,500 kilometers.
Designed to strike land targets from sea-based platforms, it can also be reprogrammed mid-flight and carry a warhead weighing up to 450 kilograms.
Game-Changer for Ukraine’s Arsenal
Experts say Tomahawks would allow Ukraine to hit strategic Russian targets with greater precision and impact.
Currently, Kyiv relies on Storm Shadow missiles (250 km range) and modified drones. Tomahawks would more than triple that reach.
From Drone Hits to Heavy Payloads
While drones have struck deep into Russia, their explosive payload is limited.
Former Ukrainian lawmaker Ivan Stupak said: “50 kilograms of explosives are just 50 kilograms, 500 kilograms in a missile can make a difference.”
Moscow and St. Petersburg Within Reach
With Tomahawks, Ukrainian forces could accurately strike high-profile targets in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
These cities have faced drone disruptions, but Tomahawks would bring a new level of destruction and psychological pressure.
Air Bases on Kyiv’s Hit List
Strategic air bases like Olenya in Murmansk, a major launch site for missile attacks on Ukraine, would also become vulnerable.
While Ukraine pulled off a surprise drone strike in Operation Spiderweb, Tomahawks could repeat and exceed those results more consistently.
Not Just the Missiles — But the Launchers
Ukraine faces major logistical hurdles.
Tomahawks are typically launched from U.S. Navy vessels or strategic bombers, neither of which Ukraine possesses.
Ground-based launch systems could be supplied, but they require complex infrastructure.
Experts Caution: Not So Fast
Military analyst Federico Borsari noted, “It’s more complex because you need not just the missile, but the entire launch system.”
Ukraine lacks the sea or air platforms, and even ground deployment would be technically demanding.
Looking to Alternatives
The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), with a 1,000 km range, is seen as a more feasible near-term option.
It could be integrated with Ukrainian aircraft and provide a potent long-range capability without the logistical baggage.
German Long-Range Missiles on the Way
Germany has also pledged to supply Ukraine with a new batch of long-range missiles “very shortly,” according to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
While the exact systems weren’t named, their arrival could boost Kyiv’s firepower ahead of any potential Tomahawk deal.
