Volodymyr Zelensky – Photo: instagram
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on Friday, October 17, 2025, to discuss advanced arms support. The talks center on supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv to extend its reach against Russian targets. The meeting follows intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and Trump’s recent call with Vladimir Putin. Zelensky’s push comes as he met Raytheon executives, the missiles’ manufacturer, to explore joint production.
Trump, after a Thursday call with Putin, expressed cautious optimism about ending the war but voiced concerns about depleting US missile stocks. The Tomahawk, a precision-guided weapon, could reshape Ukraine’s strategy in the ongoing conflict.
Technical specifications of Tomahawk
The Tomahawk, developed by Raytheon since the 1970s, is a subsonic cruise missile measuring 6.1 meters and weighing about 1,510 kg. Its unit cost is approximately $1.3 million, reflecting advanced guidance systems.
It flies at speeds up to 880 km/h at low altitudes, evading radar detection with precision navigation.
Operational capabilities
Powered by a turbofan engine, the Tomahawk follows pre-programmed flight paths with GPS and inertial navigation, achieving accuracy within 10 meters. It carries a 450 kg conventional warhead, ideal for targeting military infrastructure.
- Range: Up to 2,500 km, capable of striking Moscow from Ukraine’s borders.
- Launch platforms: Deployed from ships, submarines, or ground-based Typhon systems.
- Combat history: Used in over 2,300 missions since 1991, including Iraq and Syria.
Historical use in conflicts
The Tomahawk debuted in the 1991 Gulf War, with 288 missiles targeting Iraqi positions, proving its precision-strike capability. It later saw action in Libya and Afghanistan, showcasing resilience against integrated air defenses.
Ukraine aims to use Tomahawks to disrupt Russian logistics, though training for operations could take months with US support. The missile’s versatility makes it a game-changer for long-range strikes.
Russia’s response to potential transfer
The Kremlin labeled the potential Tomahawk transfer as a major escalation, with Dmitry Peskov warning of strained US-Russia ties. Putin, in talks with Trump, argued the missiles won’t shift battlefield dynamics but could prompt asymmetric responses.
Russian officials claim US intelligence would be directly involved, escalating Washington’s role in the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts alongside talks
Trump plans a summit with Putin in Budapest soon, following a nearly three-hour call discussing the missile issue. He suggested progress toward peace, favoring a ceasefire over new arms transfers.
Zelensky countered that Tomahawks could force Russian concessions, strengthening Kyiv’s position. Ukrainian delegations have discussed air defense and missile acquisitions with the US State Department, proposing drone exchanges for long-range systems.
Ukraine’s integration preparations
Ukraine already uses US intelligence for precision strikes on Russian refineries, easing Tomahawk adoption. Patriot systems could protect ground launchers, enhancing operational security.
Kyiv plans initial tests in eastern controlled areas, targeting logistics to minimize civilian casualties. Technical reliance on the US raises questions about Ukraine’s operational autonomy.
US stance on missile stocks
The US maintains thousands of Tomahawks, with annual production to replenish naval arsenals. Trump emphasized preserving stocks for global contingencies, wary of transfers impacting US readiness.
Congress monitors potential transfers, weighing budgetary and strategic implications. The decision hinges on balancing ally support with domestic defense priorities.
