Trump confirms he is not considering Tomahawk missile delivery to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he is currently not considering the possibility of supplying Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine.
The White House leader responded to a journalist’s question aboard Air Force One on Sunday, November 2.
“No, not really,” Trump stated, referring to the chances of such deliveries.
Previously, in early October, during a working lunch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump had indicated a preference not to deliver Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv, stating they were necessary for the defense of the United States, CNN reported on October 31. The US network also reported that the Pentagon had approved the missile supply in early October, following a stock assessment, and only the President's political decision was needed for the transfer.
Trump has shown reservations about a US plan to sell Tomahawk missiles to NATO countries that would then transfer them to Ukraine, saying he does not want to escalate the conflict. His latest comments, addressed to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, indicate that he remains reticent.
“No, not really,” Trump replied while flying to Washington from Palm Beach, Florida, when asked if he was considering a deal to sell the missiles. He added, however, that he might change his mind.
The subject was also discussed at the White House meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on October 22. Rutte stated on Friday that the issue is under consideration and the decision belongs to the United States.
According to CNN, the Pentagon gave the White House the green light to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range missiles after assessing that it would not negatively impact US stocks, but the final political decision belongs to President Donald Trump.
Tomahawk missiles have a range of approximately 2,500 km, sufficient to strike targets deep within Russian territory, including Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested these missiles, while the Kremlin has warned that the supply of Tomahawks to Ukraine would provoke "a very strong retaliation."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
