Trump warns Putin: ‘Look, if this war is not going to get settled I’m going to send them Tomahawks’

U.S. President Donald Trump stepped up rhetoric around the conflict between Russia and Ukraine by warning the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, that he might consider selling long-range Tomahawk (TLAM) missiles to Ukraine if Russia does not end the war.

The comments, made aboard Air Force One during a trip to Israel, are in line with keeping a tougher U.S. stance in support of Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

During a recent conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Trump revealed that Ukraine urgently requested Patriot air defense missiles and expressed interest in acquiring Tomahawk ground attack missiles.

On the missiles' capabilities

These missiles, capable of striking targets at long range, including Moscow and Russian military bases in the west of the country, would represent a significant change in Ukraine's offensive capabilities. Trump described this possibility as a "new step of aggression," stressing the seriousness of the decision.

“I might speak to Russia about that in all fairness,” Trump said, noting that he plans to notify Putin about the possible sale as a "courtesy call." In a statement that simulated a phone conversation with the Russian leader, Trump added: "Look, if this war is not going to get settled I’m going to send them Tomahawks."

However, he emphasized his desire to avoid unnecessary escalation, expressing hope that the conflict will be resolved soon. “I want to see the war settled,” he said.

Trump, who has recently promoted peace deals in other regions, lamented the human losses in Ukraine, estimating that between five and seven thousand soldiers die weekly.