Trump considering supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, Vance says

September 29, 2025

The US is considering Ukraine's request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could strike targets up to 1,500 miles away, potentially bringing Moscow within range. Vice President JD Vance indicated that President Trump would make the final decision, amid signals of a shifting US stance toward supporting Ukraine more aggressively. Ukrainian officials argue that the ability to strike deep into Russia would force Moscow to negotiate peace by raising the cost of continuing the war.

Who is affected

Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure (including residential buildings and a cardiology center in Kyiv)
People in Ukrainian cities facing Russian missile and drone attacks
Russia's military and industrial facilities (potential targets of long-range strikes)
European countries near Ukraine (potentially affected by Russian drone incursions)
Polish airspace (which has experienced Russian drone incursions)

What action is being taken

The US is actively considering Ukraine's request for Tomahawk missiles
Russia is conducting intensive aerial bombardments of Ukrainian cities, including a recent 12-hour strike with hundreds of drones and nearly 50 missiles
Ukraine is developing its domestic defense industry, now producing almost 100% of needed FPV drones and up to 40% of other weapons
European allies and Canada are purchasing US-made weapons for Ukraine through a newly approved mechanism
Ukraine is focusing on developing domestically produced drones and missiles with long-range capabilities

Why it matters

Long-range missiles would allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia, potentially targeting military industrial facilities and raising the cost of war for Moscow
The intensifying Russian aerial attacks pose an increasing threat to Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure
Improved air defense systems are needed to protect Ukrainian cities from the growing volume and sophistication of Russian drones and missiles
Ukraine's domestic defense production reduces but doesn't eliminate its dependence on Western military aid
The situation has implications for European security, as demonstrated by Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace

What's next

President Trump will make the "final determination" on whether to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine
Ukraine will continue focusing on developing domestically produced drones and missiles with long-range capabilities
Ukraine hopes that better protection of its cities with air defense systems combined with long-range weapons will help bring Moscow to the negotiating table

Read full article from source: BBC