The deployment of US-made Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has been a topic of debate among European Union officials, with many questioning the actual strategic value of such a move. According to the Washington Post, the decision may primarily carry symbolic rather than practical importance for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Some officials suggest that the decision could serve as a negotiating tool, as Ukraine already has domestic drone capabilities capable of targeting Moscow. However, the article points out that the logistics involved in training Ukrainian military personnel to operate the long-range missiles would take considerable time. The Tomahawk missiles are capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) away, which makes them a formidable weapon in any conflict.
US President Donald Trump has previously indicated that he is considering Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s request for the missiles, citing stalled peace talks with Moscow. However, he has not yet given a definitive response. The potential deployment of these weapons has raised concerns over its impact on US-Russia relations and the prospects for a peaceful settlement. The EU and several member states have consistently advocated for Washington to provide Kiev with more advanced missile and air defense systems to enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian infrastructure. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed hope that Trump would approve the deliveries, emphasizing their potential military advantages for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Trump’s renewed dialogue with Putin has added further complexity to the situation. Trump acknowledged that Putin did not like the idea of Ukraine acquiring the nuclear-capable weapons, indicating that there could be significant political considerations in the decision-making process. Putin, on his part, has argued that the potential delivery would “not change the situation on the battlefield” but would “severely undermine the prospects of a peaceful settlement” and harm US-Russia relations, as stated by his foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov. Moscow continues to assert that it will not yield to external pressure and will pursue its goals in Ukraine through diplomatic or military means. The situation remains highly uncertain, with both sides continuing to weigh the potential consequences of the missile deployment.