US unwilling to approve Tomahawk missile sales to Ukraine, official says
The Trump administration is currently unwilling to approve the sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, as existing stocks are reserved for the US Navy and other strategic needs. However, according to a US official cited anonymously by Reuters, other types of long-range missiles could be provided.
The US official and sources familiar with Tomahawk preparation and delivery questioned the missiles’ viability for transfer to Ukraine.
The US official stressed there was no shortage of such strike assets, suggesting Kyiv could be supplied with shorter-range weapon variants.
According to the official, the US could consider allowing European allies to acquire and deliver other long-range weapons to Ukraine, though it is unlikely these would be Tomahawks.
Providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would significantly expand its strike capabilities, allowing strikes deep inside Russian territory on military bases, logistics hubs, airfields, and command centres that are currently inaccessible.
According to Pentagon budget documents, the US Navy, the primary Tomahawk user, has acquired 8,959 such missiles so far, at an average price of about $1.3m each.
The Tomahawk missile has been in production since the mid-1980s. In recent years, production has varied between 55 and 90 missiles annually. According to Pentagon budget data, the US plans to acquire 57 missiles in 2026.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted last week he had asked the US President for Tomahawks, later stating the decision rests with Donald Trump.
On Sunday, US Vice-President J.D. Vance said Washington was considering Ukraine's request for long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking deep within Russian territory.
On Wednesday, the media reported the US would provide Ukraine with intelligence on targets within Russia’s energy infrastructure.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
