Trump Refuses Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine, Says ‘Let Them Fight It Out’

U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily ruled out supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, despite the Pentagon’s approval for the sale. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said he wanted to avoid further escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year.

When asked if he was considering a deal to sell the missiles requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said, “No, not really,” but added that he “could change his mind.”

“Sometimes you have to let them fight it out,” Trump remarked. “It’s been a tough war for Putin, and a tough war for Ukraine.”

Trump Urges Russia and Ukraine to Resolve the War Themselves

Trump reiterated that it was time for both nations to find their own resolution. “There’s no final straw,” he said, implying that direct U.S. involvement might only deepen tensions.

His remarks come as the Kyiv Post reported ongoing battlefield stalemates and renewed Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine.

Pentagon Gave Green Light, But Trump Hesitates

While the Pentagon has cleared the provision of Tomahawk missiles—after confirming it wouldn’t deplete U.S. stockpiles—Trump remains cautious. The final decision still rests with the President, who has expressed reluctance multiple times over fears of sparking a new phase of escalation with Moscow.

Putin Warns Against U.S. Missile Supply

Russia has warned that supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles would destroy bilateral relations with Washington. Vladimir Putin told Russian media that such a move would mark “a qualitatively new stage of escalation.”

He claimed Russia’s air defense could intercept the missiles, saying, “We’ll shoot them down and strengthen our systems.”

Zelenskyy Leaves White House Empty-Handed

On October 17, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Trump at the White House, hoping to secure a U.S. missile deal. However, he left without an agreement, as Trump hinted that diplomacy—not arms—should lead the way forward.

A planned Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest was also postponed, with Trump stating he didn’t want to waste time on unproductive talks.

About the Tomahawk Missile

The Tomahawk missile, in U.S. service since the 1980s, is a long-range, precision-guided cruise missile capable of striking targets up to 2,500 km away. Its low-altitude flight path—around 100 feet above ground—helps it evade radar detection.

Typically launched from U.S. Navy ships or submarines, Tomahawks would be challenging for Ukraine to deploy since Kyiv lacks compatible naval platforms.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest remarks highlight his cautious approach toward the Ukraine-Russia war—balancing between showing U.S. strength and preventing global escalation. By refusing to supply Tomahawk missiles “for now,” Trump appears intent on keeping America out of what he calls “a war they must fight out themselves.”