Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine would dangerously escalate the war with Russia. He made the comments shortly before talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky began, drawing global attention to the future of Western military support in the ongoing conflict.
Warning against escalation
Trump stated that providing Tomahawk missiles — long-range precision weapons capable of striking deep inside enemy territory — could push the war into a more dangerous phase. “Sending weapons like Tomahawks would be a serious escalation and could drag more countries into the conflict,” he said during a press briefing. Trump added that he preferred “strong diplomacy and negotiation” over increased military involvement.
His remarks reflect growing debate in Washington and European capitals over how far the West should go in arming Ukraine as the war approaches its third year. Some Western officials argue that providing advanced weapons is essential to help Ukraine defend itself, while others fear such actions could lead to direct confrontation with Russia.
Talks with Zelensky
Trump and Zelensky met as part of a series of high-level diplomatic discussions focused on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have been pushing for advanced weapons systems to strengthen their defenses and target Russian military infrastructure more effectively.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine needs “strong, modern weapons to defend its sovereignty and protect civilians.” He added that Ukraine continues to face missile and drone attacks from Russian forces almost daily, making additional military aid critical to its survival.
Although Trump expressed caution about escalating the conflict, he also noted that he supports Ukraine’s right to defend itself and would continue to explore ways to help Kyiv through strategic and diplomatic means.
A turning point in the conflict
The debate over Tomahawk missiles comes at a sensitive time. Western nations have already supplied Ukraine with tanks, air defense systems, and long-range missiles. Tomahawks, however, represent a more powerful capability that could strike targets far from the front lines.
Russia has previously warned that supplying such advanced weapons to Ukraine would cross a “red line” and could trigger a strong response. This has made the issue a point of contention not only between Washington and Moscow but also among NATO allies.
Diplomatic focus and global reaction
Several European leaders have expressed support for keeping diplomatic channels open while maintaining strong defense assistance to Kyiv. NATO officials have also urged member countries to remain united and avoid steps that could lead to uncontrolled escalation.
Trump’s warning is expected to influence both public debate and policy discussions in the United States. As election season approaches, U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine has become a major topic among political leaders and voters.
Looking ahead
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky underscores the ongoing complexity of the war. While Ukraine seeks more support to strengthen its defense, the U.S. and its allies must balance military aid with the risk of broader conflict. Trump’s statement reflects this delicate balance — signaling caution on escalation while keeping diplomatic options open.
Both sides are expected to continue talks in the coming weeks, as the war shows no signs of ending soon.