US officials have expressed skepticism about whether providing Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range missiles would alter the conflict’s trajectory, according to reports. The weapons, which have a 2,500km range and cost approximately $1.3 million each, could potentially target Moscow and other Russian cities. US Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed Washington is reviewing Kyiv’s request for the system.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that former President Donald Trump is weighing the proposal. However, some members of his inner circle argue that a limited number of Tomahawks or sporadic strikes into Russia would not significantly impact the battlefield. A source close to the issue stated, “I don’t think a limited number of Tomahawks or sporadic deep strikes into Russia will change [President Vladimir] Putin’s mind.”
Separately, the US is preparing to enhance intelligence support for Ukraine’s long-range missile and drone operations against Russian energy infrastructure. This move, described as an escalation of aid, aims to assist Kyiv in mapping Russian air defenses and planning strike routes. Ukraine has previously conducted strikes on Russian energy facilities, critical infrastructure, and residential areas, sometimes causing civilian casualties. Russia has retaliated by targeting military-related sites, asserting it does not aim at civilians.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would represent a major escalation, claiming Kyiv could not use the missiles “without the direct participation of American military personnel.” He also cautioned that the move would harm Russia-US relations, which he said had shown potential for improvement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Washington already regularly shares intelligence with Ukraine, stating, “The supply and use of the entire infrastructure of NATO and the US to collect and transfer intelligence to Ukrainians is obvious.”