© Getty Images Kyiv may receive other shorter-range options.
The Trump administration’s desire to transfer long-range Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv may prove unrealistic, as existing stocks are intended for the US Navy and other needs, Reuters reports, citing a US official and three people familiar with the matter.
US Vice President J.D. Vance said on Sunday that Washington is considering Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, which can strike deep into Russian territory, including Moscow. On Wednesday, it was reported that the US would provide Ukraine with intelligence on targets in Russia’s energy infrastructure at long distances.
However, a US administration official and sources familiar with the development and supply of Tomahawk missiles have questioned the possibility of transferring these cruise missiles, which have a range of 2,500 kilometers. The official stressed that there is no shortage of this basic weapon — it is widely used to strike ground targets — but hinted that other shorter-range options could be provided to Kyiv. According to him, the US may consider having European allies purchase other long-range systems and transfer them to Ukraine, but Tomahawks are unlikely to be among them.
In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has dramatically changed his tone on the war in Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv could take back all the territory seized by Russia and calling the Russian army a “paper tiger.” The US decision to help Ukraine strike Russian energy infrastructure was one tangible result of this new stance.
To coordinate assistance, a new financial mechanism has been created — the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), developed by the United States and allies to supply Kyiv with new weapons and equipment from US warehouses at the expense of NATO countries.
The delivery of Tomahawk missiles could significantly enhance Ukraine’s strike capabilities, allowing it to hit targets deep inside Russia, including military bases, logistics centers, airfields and command posts that are currently out of reach. The Kremlin said on Thursday that the transfer of Tomahawks to Ukraine would lead to a new round of dangerous escalation between Russia and the West.
According to Pentagon budget documents, the US Navy — the main user of the Tomahawk — has so far purchased 8,959 missiles at an average price of $1.3 million per unit. Production of the Tomahawk has been ongoing since the mid-1980s, and in recent years production has fluctuated between 55 and 90 missiles annually. According to the Pentagon budget, the US plans to purchase 57 of the missiles by 2026.