President Donald Trump is taking a bold stance in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, shifting the dynamics of U.S. support. He has recently given the green light for Ukraine to use American weapons to strike inside Russia. This comes as discussions intensify about potentially supplying Kyiv with Tomahawk cruise missiles. During these developments, Trump has expressed confidence that Ukraine can retake all its territory.
In a segment on “Fox News Sunday,” Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg announced that Trump has authorized long-range Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory. Vice President JD Vance added that the administration is considering sending Tomahawk missiles—something the Biden administration had previously refused. “We’re certainly looking at a number of requests from the Europeans,” Vance stated regarding the arms transfer decision.
The Tomahawk missile boasts a range of approximately 1,500 miles, allowing Ukraine to theoretically target Moscow if the transfer is approved. However, Russia responded swiftly, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov questioning Ukraine’s capability to operate such advanced systems independently. “Who can launch these missiles?” he asked. “A very deep analysis is needed here.” Peskov downplayed the impact of these weapons, asserting there is “no panacea” that could significantly change the situation on the battlefield.
This revised approach from Trump is particularly notable. The president has recently suggested that Ukraine doesn’t just need to hold its ground; it can also reclaim its original borders, calling this a “very much an option.” He has encouraged NATO nations to respond decisively to Russian provocations, announcing that they should intercept any Russian drones or jets that violate their airspace. Trump critiqued Russia’s continued struggle in the conflict, stating, “This is not distinguishing Russia.”
Tensions are palpable as Russia’s military continues to push boundaries, with incidents of Russian drones entering Polish and Romanian airspace and missile-carrying MiG-29 jets breaching Estonian territory. Eastern European officials warn that these provocations test the resolve of NATO. Romanian foreign minister Oana Țoiu remarked that such actions are meant to gauge whether NATO will present a united front.
Trump’s firmer stance seems to follow a less productive summit with Vladimir Putin in August, which inspired few concrete agreements. Since then, he has ramped up pressure on Europe to diminish its energy dependence on Russia. “Inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy products,” Trump criticized during a United Nations General Assembly address. He emphasized that China and India bear significant responsibility for funding the conflict through continued purchases of Russian oil.
He has already enacted a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, signaling a toughening approach toward nations that maintain energy ties with Moscow. As discussions progress, officials allude to further actions if India and China do not scale back their dealings with Russia. Trump’s tactics reflect a decisive pivot in U.S. foreign policy toward Ukraine, one that could reshape the landscape of international support in this enduring conflict.
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