On Friday, it seemed that there was a good chance that Ukraine would receive Tomahawk maneuvering missiles. After an analysis of the Pentagon, which indicated that the United States could safely hand over part of its arsenal, only a political decision was awaited. Meanwhile, president Donald Trump announced that he was not considering specified an option.
Loading UGM-109 Tomahawk missiles at USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), a submarine fast attack. photograph by Lt. James Caliva/ U.S. Navy
At the end of October, the Pentagon completed its analysis of the anticipation of transferring Ukraine Tomahawk missiles. Military experts have determined that the US has adequate supplies to support Kiev without compromising its own security. This decision was the consequence of a multi-month consultation with the College of Joint Chiefs of Staff, which previously expressed concerns about the excessive depletion of resources.
Trump: ‘Not really’
In military circles, this was considered a green light – a signal that the administration could decide to transfer Ukraine to 1 of the most powerful conventional weapons in the United States arsenal. However, on 3 November, erstwhile speaking with journalists aboard Air Force One, president Trump He cut off speculation. erstwhile asked if he was considering this option, he replied, “No, not really”. He added that "it may change, but at this point I am not considering it."
It's a clear change of speech compared to earlier signals from the White House. A fewer days earlier, the president's advisors suggested that the decision was imminent, and Trump himself, although skeptical, did not regulation out specified a step.
Tomahawk is simply a long-range manoeuvring rocket that can harm targets more than 1500 km (and in any versions even 2500 km). Its precision and ability to bypass defence systems make it an perfect tool to destruct the enemy's military and logistical infrastructure. It was utilized in the past, among others, in Iraq, Syria and Libya.
Politics over strategy?
However, Tomahawk is not only a weapon, but besides a political signal. Its transfer to Ukraine would mean that the US is ready to increase support – and that they are not afraid of Moscow's reaction.
For Ukraine, Trump's decision is simply a disappointment. Tomahawks could importantly change the situation on the front – especially in the context of strikes in Russian logistics facilities. Ukrainian commanders have been calling for long-range weapons for months to let them to dispel targets outside the front line.
Russia is watching the situation closely. The transfer of the Tomahawks could be received by the Kremlin as a signal that the US is ready for a direct commitment to conflict. deficiency of decision can be read as Washington's weakness.
Trump's message fits into his wider strategy towards the war in Ukraine. The president of the United States has repeatedly stressed that he wants to Ending the conflict through negotiationsNot the escalation. His decision may be an effort to force Kiev to be more open to Peace talkse.
At the same time, there is simply a debate in the US whether this approach does not weaken Ukraine's position and strengthen Russia. Supporters of the transfer of the Tomahawks argue that only strong support can lead to the end of the war under Kiev conditions.
