Tomahawk for Ukraine: Expert names main risk of US long-range missile supply
Donald Trump’s statement on transferring Tomahawks is not a positive signal, as the US will most likely dictate which targets can be struck.
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Supply of Tomahawks to Ukraine still in doubt / © Associated Press
US President Donald Trump’s remark that he has «almost made» a decision on supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles is not proof the issue is resolved. The matter remains «up in the air.»
That assessment was given by CEO at Alliance «New energy of Ukraine», owner of a defense manufacturing company «First Contact» Valerii Borovyk, in an interview with Ukrainian Radio.
«Almost made»: why there is still no clarity
Commenting on Trump’s words, that, before deciding, he wants to be sure how Ukraine would use the missiles, Borovyk says the remark contains nothing particularly new. Similar phrases about a «decision tomorrow» or the need for further consultations have been heard for a long time.
The expert stresses that such words are just one of many «excuses» that do not indicate specifics. Borovyk explained that the Tomahawk supply remains conditional. The US President wants to understand the intended targets, which resembles the Biden administration’s approach, when providing long-range systems required agreement on target designation and programming with the American side.
Unlike European partners, who send weapons with a clear understanding that Ukraine decides how to use them, that approach is absent in any potential Tomahawk transfer.
«This is absent in the potential transfer of weapons, including Tomahawks, to Ukraine. Therefore, everything remains in limbo,» Boryvyk remarked.
Restrictions: US interests first
On possible restrictions governing Tomahawk use if a supply is approved, the expert says it is impossible to predict. He notes restrictions could be anything — for example, a ban on strikes against key decision-making centres or politically sensitive targets inside Russia.
Valerii Borovyk emphasises that the US will act primarily in its own interests and may limit strikes on targets that are critical to Ukraine’s victory.
«They are guided first and foremost by the interests of the United States and depending on the political situation… it may be conditioned and block the possibility of strikes on those objects and targets that are needed for victory in this war. So there is nothing to guess about, ” he said.
This means political circumstances and any agreements — or even the personal views of politicians — could affect how and on which targets Ukraine would be able to use these long-range missiles.