What are the Tomahawk missiles Ukraine wants? | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Tomahawk Missiles: Long-range cruise missiles, capable of traveling up to 2,000 km, significantly further than current Western-supplied weapons (300 km). They are harder to intercept, carry more explosives, and cost over a million pounds each.
• Ukraine's Drone Strategy: Ukraine is increasing its long-range drone strikes to inflict pain on Russia, mirroring the suffering Russia has caused.
• "Death of Détente": The potential political implication of the US supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, signifying a severe deterioration in US-Russia relations.
• "Summitry": Diplomatic meetings and negotiations, which President Zelensky feels Russia is being "rewarded" with instead of facing further military action.

President Zelensky's Visit and Missile Hopes

President Zelensky's visit to Washington has been characterized by a delicate balancing act. While he understands the political risks of openly criticizing President Trump, his initial optimism for the visit appears to have diminished. A key objective of his visit was to secure long-range Tomahawk missiles from the US. However, the likelihood of him obtaining these missiles has been cast into further doubt.

Frustration with Russia's Stance on Peace

Zelensky has expressed his frustration on social media, stating, "Russia's true readiness for peace lies not in words. Putin was never short of those, he said, but in actually stopping the killings." This sentiment highlights his belief that Russia's actions, rather than its rhetoric, should be the measure of its commitment to peace. He feels that while Ukraine desires further military action to punish Russia, it is instead being met with diplomatic engagements ("summitry").

The Strategic Advantage of Tomahawk Missiles

Ukraine's defense minister, speaking in the presence of his US counterpart, emphasized the critical need for "long range missiles which our partners has." The Tomahawk cruise missile, a US-made weapon, is particularly sought after due to its capabilities:

• Range: Capable of traveling up to 2,000 km, which is eight times the range of current Western-supplied weapons (maximum 300 km). This extended range would allow Ukraine to target Russian military sites far beyond the current front lines.
• Interception Difficulty: They are harder to shoot down.
• Payload: They can carry more explosives.
• Speed: Traveling at over 500 mph.
• Cost: Each missile costs over a million pounds.

Potential Targets for Tomahawk Missiles

The extended range of Tomahawk missiles could enable Ukraine to strike a significant number of Russian military sites, including:

• Engels Air Force Base: A base from which Russia launches its own long-range strikes.
• Drone Production Factories: Facilities reportedly involved in the mass production of drones by Russia.

Impact on the War: Military vs. Political Significance

While the military impact of a small number of Tomahawk missiles might be limited, their political significance is substantial. Providing such a strategically important capability to Ukraine would represent a profound shift in US-Russia relations, potentially signaling the "death of détente."

President Trump's Perspective and Putin's Warning

President Trump, who views himself as a peacemaker, might be influenced by the political implications of supplying Tomahawk missiles. However, President Putin has already warned that providing Ukraine with these missiles would constitute an escalation of the conflict. The ongoing discussions suggest that a final decision has not yet been made.

Conclusion

President Zelensky's visit to Washington highlights Ukraine's urgent need for advanced weaponry, specifically long-range Tomahawk missiles, to counter Russian aggression. While these missiles offer significant military advantages, their potential political ramifications, including the deterioration of US-Russia relations and Putin's warnings of escalation, are key factors influencing the decision-making process. The current situation suggests a complex interplay of military necessity, political strategy, and international diplomacy.