Russia has warned that sending weapons to Ukraine will not bring peace, after Washington’s latest consideration to arm Kyiv with long-range missiles. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Saturday that transferring Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would undermine efforts for a negotiated settlement, Russian state media reported.
Her remarks followed reports that the Pentagon had approved supplying Ukraine with the missiles, concluding the move would not weaken US stockpiles, according to US and European officials. The decision now rests with President Donald Trump, whose approval is required before the weapons can be transferred.
CNN reported that the Pentagon’s recommendation was sent to the White House earlier this month, shortly before Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington. Kyiv has requested the missiles, capable of striking up to 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres), to target Russian energy and infrastructure facilities.
US defence officials said operational details, including deployment methods and troop training, remain under review. European allies reportedly welcomed the Pentagon’s assessment, saying it eased concerns over missile availability and could expedite delivery if authorised.
During a White House lunch with Zelenskyy, Trump said the United States “needs” the Tomahawks and should not “give away things we need to protect our country.”
According to CNN, Trump’s stance hardened after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who warned the missiles could hit Russian cities and strain relations further.
Neither the White House nor the Pentagon have commented publicly on the deliberations.
Zelenskyy earlier declared that Ukraine aims to strengthen its long-range strike capacity by year’s end, saying “global sanctions and our precision are syncing to end this war on fair terms for Ukraine.”