Explained: Why Ukraine Wants the U.S. Tomahawk Missile

Ukraine has asked Washington to sell Tomahawk cruise missiles through allied nations to help counter Russian forces, marking a potential shift in U.S. military policy.

Built by Raytheon, the Tomahawk is a long-range, precision-guided missile that can travel up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km) and hit targets with remarkable accuracy. Each missile costs around $1.3 million and can be launched from ships or land platforms.

The U.S. has recently used Tomahawks in Yemen, showcasing their reliability and power in real-world combat. If approved, the transfer would significantly extend Ukraine’s strike range beyond current Western-supplied systems like Storm Shadow or ATACMS.

However, Moscow has warned that supplying Tomahawks would represent a “major escalation,” hinting at possible retaliatory measures.

President Trump, previously hesitant to provide long-range weapons, is reportedly reconsidering due to frustration with Vladimir Putin’s refusal to negotiate a ceasefire.

Analysts say any decision could reshape U.S.–Russia relations and alter the dynamics of the war in Eastern Europe.