2LT International News

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida: U.S. President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he is currently not considering a plan that would let Ukraine obtain long-range Tomahawk missiles to use against Russia.

Trump has been hesitant about a proposal for the United States to sell Tomahawks to NATO allies who would then pass them on to Ukraine, saying he does not want to further escalate the conflict.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One as he traveled back to Washington from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump made it clear he is still reluctant. When asked if he was open to the deal, he replied, “No, not really,” but noted that he could still change his mind.

Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed the idea during their meeting at the White House on October 22. Rutte said on Friday that the plan is being reviewed, but the final decision lies with the U.S.

Tomahawk missiles can reach up to 2,500 km (1,550 miles), giving them the range to hit targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow.

Two weeks ago, Trump had warned Russia he might send long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Moscow didn’t end the war soon, signaling he could escalate pressure on Vladimir Putin’s government using a significant weapons system.

“I might say, ‘Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,'” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to Israel. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, a very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested the missiles, but the Kremlin had warned against providing Tomahawks to Ukraine.