Trump Hesitates to Arm Kyiv with Tomahawk Missiles Ahead of Zelenskyy Meeting

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to visit Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump is signaling reluctance to approve the delivery of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv. Earlier openness on the issue has given way to cautious rhetoric, with Trump emphasizing the need to preserve U.S. weapon stockpiles.

In a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump appeared to backpedal, suggesting that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine could strain U.S.–Russia relations without decisively shifting the dynamics on the battlefield. He told reporters, “We need Tomahawks for the United States of America too,” underscoring that the U.S. must maintain its own defense needs.

Despite Zelenskyy’s long-standing requests for advanced strike capabilities that could target key military and infrastructure sites deep within Russia, Trump’s tone has grown more measured. He has hinted he may consult Putin before making any decision. The shift comes after months in which Trump had floated the idea of arming Ukraine with Tomahawks as leverage in peace negotiations.

Ukraine sees these missiles as pivotal to its counteroffensive strategy, believing they could pressure Putin toward engagement. But Moscow has repeatedly warned that such a move would be provocative and destabilizing. In recent days, Kremlin officials have publicly expressed “extreme concern” over escalating U.S. support through high-end weapon systems.

The upcoming face-to-face meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy will likely test whether the U.S. will remain cautious or take a bold step in Ukraine’s favor. Meanwhile, Washington and Kyiv explore defense partnerships and weigh how to balance military assistance with diplomatic constraints in a volatile conflict.