The Pentagon has given its approval for Ukraine to receive Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles, a move that could dramatically expand Kyiv’s strike capabilities if President Donald Trump authorizes the transfer, CNN reported Friday.
According to the report, the Defense Department’s assessment concluded that providing the precision-guided missiles would not significantly deplete U.S. stockpiles.
The recommendation follows a Joint Staff review earlier this month that cited European allies’ support for the transfer and found “little reason” for Washington to withhold the weapons.
Despite the Pentagon’s green light, the final decision rests with Trump — who has so far resisted calls to send the missiles.
During his Oct. 17 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Trump reportedly said, “It’s not easy for us to give … you’re talking about massive numbers of very powerful weapons,” signaling hesitation over escalating the conflict.
The Tomahawk — capable of flying at low altitude for more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) — would give Ukraine a powerful new tool to strike Russian command centers, supply depots, and infrastructure far behind the front lines.
Analysts say the system’s range and radar-evading flight profile would alter the strategic balance of the war, allowing Kyiv to threaten Russian assets once considered beyond reach.
Zelensky has publicly lobbied for the missiles, calling them “a major investment in diplomacy.” In a recent address, he argued that the prospect of Ukraine acquiring deep-strike capabilities is one of the few factors that has forced Moscow to engage in peace discussions.
“This issue — our deep strike capabilities — may hold the indispensable key to peace,” he said.
For now, the decision appears to hinge on Trump’s risk calculus. The president, who has emphasized the need to avoid direct confrontation with Russia, has so far preferred to pace military aid and link it to diplomatic conditions.
European officials told CNN they were surprised by his reluctance, given that NATO partners have privately endorsed the move.
Moscow, meanwhile, has issued sharp warnings. The Kremlin said that the introduction of Tomahawks would represent a “major escalation” and vowed to respond “symmetrically.”
Russia continues to rely heavily on its own long-range cruise missiles, as well as imported weapons from North Korea and Iran, to sustain its campaign against Ukraine.
If Trump ultimately approves the transfer, it would mark one of the most significant U.S. weapons decisions of the war — signaling Washington’s willingness to give Ukraine not just defensive tools, but the means to project power deep into Russian-held territory.
