In a recent interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, President Donald Trump addressed Ukraine’s request for Tomahawk missiles, saying the U.S. “has to remember one thing we need them for ourselves too.”
The statement comes shortly after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has recently taken a central role in global peace negotiations, including efforts to maintain the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel and to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump: “We Can’t Give All Our Weapons to Ukraine”
When Bartiromo asked Trump whether he was still considering sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Trump replied:
“I’ve been asked by Ukraine if they could have Tomahawks, I’m looking at it. I spoke with Vladimir Putin about it not that he would be thrilled. But we have to remember one thing; we need them for ourselves too. We can’t give all of our weapons to Ukraine; we just can’t do that.”
He described the missiles as “violent, vicious weapons,” emphasizing that the U.S. must not deplete its own defense resources.
Why the Tomahawks Matter
Tomahawk missiles are long-range precision weapons capable of striking targets over 1,000 miles away. They’ve been a key part of U.S. military operations since the early 1990s. Recently, the U.S. used Tomahawks in strikes on Iran and attacks against Houthi positions in Yemen.
According to the Heritage Foundation, the U.S. Navy had roughly 4,000 Tomahawk missiles in its arsenal as of 2023. Defense manufacturer Raytheon says the missiles have been used operationally over 2,300 times.
If supplied to Ukraine, Tomahawks would be the longest-range American weapons transferred so far capable of reaching targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow. However, Trump’s latest comments suggest the U.S. may hold on to them for now.
Trump’s Broader Message: “It’s Time to Make a Deal”
In a Truth Social post on October 17, Trump called for an end to the fighting between Russia and Ukraine:
“It is time to stop the killing, and make a DEAL! Enough blood has been shed… Let both claim Victory, let History decide! No more shooting, no more Death, no more vast and unsustainable sums of money spent.”
Trump’s remarks appear to align with his growing message of “peace through negotiation”, as he continues to position himself as a global mediator.
Global Reactions and What’s Next
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said last week that Budapest could host upcoming talks between Trump and Putin, calling Hungary “the only pro-peace country in Europe.”
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky told NBC’s Meet the Press that Ukraine is not losing the war, saying:
“Putin’s army is in a weak position… This war is not about land or territory it’s about sovereignty and independence.”
Zelensky added that he is “ready” to join the Budapest peace talks, where Trump and Putin are expected to meet soon.
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