Overview
- The Joint Staff informed the White House in October that transferring Tomahawk missiles would not significantly deplete U.S. stockpiles, clearing the technical hurdle.
- Trump privately told Zelenskyy the missiles would not be provided "at least not yet" following a phone call in which Putin warned the move would harm U.S.–Russia relations.
- Defense officials say key operational issues remain, including training timelines and how Ukraine would launch the missiles given its depleted navy and the need for land-based options.
- Contingency plans exist to deliver the missiles quickly if ordered, while European partners have urged action and note Ukraine would still need months to integrate the capability, according to NATO’s Mark Rutte.
- Kyiv argues Tomahawks’ roughly 1,000-mile range is vital for striking Russian energy and military targets deep inside the country, as Moscow warns of escalation and steps up missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.