Donald Trump said he might provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, but only if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to end the war, during an Air Force One conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
U.S. President Discusses Patriot and Tomahawk Aid with Zelensky
During a conversation on Air Force One, Trump spoke with President Volodymyr Zelensky about supplying Ukraine with Patriot missile systems and, if possible, Tomahawk cruise missiles via NATO channels.
U.S. Military Constraints on Providing Full Weapons Stockpiles
Trump noted that the United States cannot disarm its own forces or ship all available supplies, as the U.S. also requires weapons to maintain its security posture.
Trump’s Conditional Threat to Putin
He indicated a willingness to discuss with Russia whether Turkish-minded Tomahawks should be directed towards Ukraine, suggesting the threat could compel Putin to negotiate peace. Trump said, “If this war does not end, I will send them Tomahawks,” but added that the move could also be withheld.
Intention to Discuss Tomahawk Issue with Putin
While not yet decided on delivering the missiles, Trump stated he would bring the matter to a prior discussion with President Putin.
Putin Cautions Against Tomahawk Delivery
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin warned that sending Tomahawks to Kyiv would constitute a serious escalation and damage U.S.–Moscow relations.
