What's happened
As of October 8, 2025, the US under President Trump is deepening support for Ukraine by sharing intelligence to target Russian energy infrastructure and considering supplying long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. These missiles, with ranges up to 1,550 miles, would enable Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia, including Moscow, marking a significant shift amid stalled peace talks and escalating conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in US Policy
The Trump administration's move to share intelligence and consider supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine marks a decisive shift from previous US restraint. This change reflects growing frustration with Russia's intransigence and a strategic effort to pressure Moscow economically and militarily.
Impact on the Conflict
Tomahawk missiles, with ranges up to 1,550 miles, would allow Ukraine to target critical Russian infrastructure and military assets far beyond current capabilities. This could degrade Russia's war-sustaining resources and force Moscow to reconsider its military posture.
Risks and Escalation
Russia has warned that supplying such weapons would escalate the conflict and threaten US-Russia relations. Moscow's threats of "tough, ambiguous, measured, and asymmetrical" responses underscore the risk of retaliation, potentially targeting Europe.
Operational Challenges
Ukraine currently lacks platforms to launch Tomahawks, which require warships, submarines, or specialized ground launchers. Supplying these missiles would likely necessitate additional equipment or modifications, complicating delivery and use.
Political and Diplomatic Dimensions
Trump's evolving stance, from previous reluctance to active support, aligns with his recent public optimism about Ukraine's chances to reclaim territory. This policy shift also aims to isolate Putin and increase economic pressure through coordinated sanctions and intelligence sharing with NATO allies.
Forecast
If implemented, this enhanced support will intensify the conflict's military dimension and could accelerate Russia's economic and military strain. However, it risks provoking Russian retaliation and complicating diplomatic efforts for peace. The West must balance military aid with diplomatic engagement to avoid uncontrolled escalation.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that Andrei Kartapolov, head of Russia's defense committee, warned of "tough, ambiguous, measured, and asymmetrical" responses if the US supplies Tomahawks to Ukraine, highlighting Moscow's direct threat to Washington. Meanwhile, President Trump has signaled openness to the request, with a senior congressional aide telling the Post that "sending even a single Tomahawk to Ukraine would scare the s–t out of the Russians more than almost anything else we could do." Business Insider UK’s Jake Epstein details the Tomahawk missile's capabilities, noting its 1,550-mile range and combat-proven reliability, but also points out Ukraine's lack of launch platforms, raising questions about operational feasibility. The Independent’s Arpan Rai provides context on Putin's warnings that supplying Tomahawks would mark a "new stage of escalation," and reports on Russia's internal challenges, including declining public support for the war. The Guardian’s Dan Sabbagh highlights the US decision to share intelligence on Russian energy targets, marking a significant policy shift under Trump, while noting that no final decision on missile supply has been made. The Wall Street Journal and The Moscow Times confirm that the Trump administration is considering providing Tomahawks and Barracuda missiles, alongside intelligence sharing, to enhance Ukraine's strike capabilities deep inside Russia. Collectively, these sources illustrate a complex interplay of military aid, strategic signaling, and diplomatic tensions shaping the evolving US-Ukraine-Russia dynamic.
How we got here
Ukraine has long sought long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, including Moscow. Previous US administrations, including Biden's, denied such requests over fears of escalation. Recently, President Trump has shifted policy, approving intelligence sharing for strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and considering supplying Tomahawk missiles, which would significantly extend Ukraine's strike capabilities.
Go deeper
- What are the risks of supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine?
- How could Russia respond to US intelligence sharing with Ukraine?
- What challenges does Ukraine face in deploying Tomahawk missiles?
Common question
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What new military aid is the U.S. providing to Ukraine?
The U.S. is ramping up its military support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Recent reports indicate that the Biden administration, under the influence of the Trump administration's recent moves, is considering supplying long-range missiles like Tomahawks, which could significantly alter the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia war. This shift raises questions about the nature of U.S. support, its strategic implications, and what it means for the future of the conflict. Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this evolving situation.
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Why Is the US Considering Supplying Ukraine with Long-Range Missiles?
The United States is now exploring the possibility of providing Ukraine with long-range missiles like Tomahawks to target Russian infrastructure. This marks a significant shift in US policy and raises questions about how this support could impact the ongoing conflict. Many wonder what this means for Ukraine's chances of winning, the risks involved, and whether it could escalate tensions further. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this major development.
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What Are the Key Stories in Today's News?
Today's headlines cover a wide range of critical issues, from new US tariffs to escalating geopolitical tensions and economic shifts. Curious about how these stories connect and what they mean for your daily life? Below, we explore the biggest news stories, their implications, and what to watch for next.
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Why Is the US Considering Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine?
The US is contemplating supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine as part of its effort to support Kyiv against Russian aggression. This move marks a significant shift in US policy, raising questions about the implications for the Ukraine-Russia conflict, potential escalation, and regional stability. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this decision and what it could mean for the future of the conflict.
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What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the top headlines shaping the world right now. From political shifts and international conflicts to tech launches and legal cases, these stories are capturing attention worldwide. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for you? Below are the key questions and answers to keep you informed and engaged with today's most important news.
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Why Is the US Considering Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine?
The US is contemplating providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This decision raises many questions about the potential impact on regional stability, the risks of escalation, and what it means for international diplomacy. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial military support and what it could mean for the future of the conflict.
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Could US Support for Ukraine Lead to a Wider Conflict?
The US's consideration of supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine has sparked global concern about escalation. With tensions rising between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, many are asking whether this support could trigger a broader conflict. In this page, we explore the potential consequences of increased military aid, how other countries are reacting, and whether we are heading toward a new Cold War. Read on to understand the complex dynamics at play and what they mean for global stability.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a long-range, all-weather, jet-powered, subsonic cruise missile that is primarily used by the United States Navy and Royal Navy in ship- and submarine-based land-attack operations.