“Ukraine needs the firepower, not the fine print!” That’s the message Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly delivered to Washington in a surprising appeal for Tomahawk missiles, according to a New York Times report. This high-stakes request is part of a classified “non-nuclear deterrence package” in Zelensky’s so-called victory plan—a bold strategy aimed at securing Ukraine against future attacks.
The Tomahawk missiles, with a staggering range of over 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles), could strike deep into Russian territory—seven times farther than the ATACMS missiles already provided by the U.S. Yet, despite Zelensky’s insistence, U.S. officials are wary. They argue that granting Ukraine access to Tomahawks could jeopardize America’s global security interests, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, where the stockpile is crucial for U.S. forces.
Four U.S. officials confided to the NYT that Zelensky was taken aback during his recent visit to Washington when President Joe Biden declined to authorize Ukraine’s use of American missiles for strikes deep within Russia. Although Zelensky has long been vocal about the need for Ukraine to “strike back harder than ever,” he was reportedly surprised by Biden’s refusal to expand their strategic reach.
Zelensky’s five-point victory plan includes classified sections, with the third focusing on “non-nuclear deterrence.” This part includes the proposed Tomahawk supply— a game-changing addition Ukraine argues would send an unmistakable message to Moscow and secure its independence.
The bold proposal is not without risks. Ukraine has already been hard-pressed to justify its use of long-range missiles to Western allies, and the list of targets in Russia far exceeds what the U.S. is comfortable with. Washington’s hesitance underscores the delicate balance of power and fear of escalation that continues to shape this grinding conflict.
As Ukraine’s bid for Tomahawks faces skepticism, the world watches to see if Zelensky can sway Biden and his administration to bolster Ukraine’s defenses with one of the most powerful missile systems in America’s arsenal.
Sources for this article include: The New York Times, Ukrainian government statements.
