The White House is evaluating Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles as the country seeks to bolster its defenses against ongoing Russian aggression. Vice President JD Vance stated on Sunday that the U.S. is taking into account various requests from European leaders, emphasizing the importance of European involvement in addressing the crisis in Ukraine.
In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Vance noted, “We’re certainly looking at a number of requests from the Europeans,” highlighting that the current administration’s policies have prompted European nations to take a more active role in supporting Ukraine. The final decision regarding the sale of the missiles will rest with President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly discussed the missile request during a meeting with Trump at the U.N. General Assembly last week, according to a report from Axios. CBS News has reached out to Zelenskyy’s office for additional details regarding the discussions.
The U.S. has been implementing a policy since August that facilitates the sale of weaponry to Ukraine, with European NATO countries expected to cover the costs. Vance reiterated this stance, stating, “What we’re doing is asking the Europeans to buy that weaponry that shows some European skin in the game.” He believes this approach encourages European nations to invest in both regional stability and the peace process that the U.S. has been advocating for in recent months.
The Tomahawk missile, manufactured in the U.S., has a range of approximately 1,500 miles, potentially putting major Russian cities within reach of Ukrainian forces should the sale proceed. This capability has raised concerns in Moscow, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggesting that such a move would indicate direct U.S. involvement in the conflict. Peskov stated at a news conference, “It is important to understand who will be directing and launching the Tomahawk missiles from Ukrainian territory – the Americans or the Ukrainians themselves.”
In a later interview, U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg supported the idea of Ukraine conducting long-range strikes, stating, “There are no such things as sanctuaries” in wartime. He affirmed that Ukraine should have access to the capability to launch deep strikes against Russian targets.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire, as the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched over 600 drones and missiles in a significant attack on Sunday morning. The barrage resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries, marking one of the most substantial assaults Ukraine has faced since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Trump has expressed frustration with Russia’s lack of willingness to negotiate a peace settlement with Ukraine. In a recent post on Truth Social, he criticized Russian military efforts, claiming they are failing to achieve their objectives. “Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win,” Trump stated, asserting that Ukraine, with European support, is capable of reclaiming its territory.
The ongoing discussions about the sale of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine reflect the broader dynamics of international military support as the conflict continues to evolve. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the military balance in the region and the trajectory of the conflict.
