Ukraine set for delivery of deadly Tomahawk missiles it knows it can't fire

A senior Ukrainian security official believes that simply possessing U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles even before being authorized to use them could dramatically shift the balance of power in the ongoing war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly requested that the United States sell Tomahawk missiles to its European allies, allowing those partners to transfer the weapons to Kyiv. These powerful cruise missiles have a range of roughly 1,550 miles, potentially putting Moscow within striking distance if deployed from Ukraine.

During a recent press briefing at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that he had “sort of made a decision” regarding the transfer of the Tomahawks to Europe. While suggesting he leans toward approval, Trump emphasized that Ukraine would need to keep Washington informed before launching any strikes, saying, “I’m not looking to escalate that war.”

However, Yehor Cherniev, Deputy Chairman of Ukraine’s Parliament Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, stated that just having these weapons in Ukrainian hands would carry major strategic implications. According to him, permission to use the missiles will likely come in phases, giving Russia time to reconsider its actions.

Cherniev explained:

“At each stage, Putin is given the opportunity to retreat and negotiate. First, we might receive only a few missiles, with restrictions on their use. If Moscow doesn’t react strongly, those limits could gradually be lifted.”

He added that within months, Ukraine could gain full control over the weapons’ use, though likely with limitations against direct attacks on the Kremlin or President Putin himself.

“It’s already real pressure a real argument,” Cherniev noted.

Ukraine has previously received long-range weapons from Western allies, such as Britain’s Storm Shadow and the U.S.-made ERAM missiles, initially for defensive purposes. Over time, Ukraine was permitted to use them offensively, significantly enhancing its battlefield capabilities.

Yet, the potential arrival of Tomahawks with over five times the range of current systems could force a dramatic rethink in Russian defense strategy. Even without being fired, their presence alone could serve as a powerful deterrent, complicating Moscow’s plans for further missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.