U.S. Tomahawk Supply to Ukraine Unlikely to Change War Dynamics
Military expert Vasily Dandykin explains why U.S. Tomahawk missiles would have limited impact on the Ukraine conflict and might even harm Washington’s reputation.
The possible transfer of U. S. Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine would have little impact on the overall course of the ongoing Russian special military operation, according to retired Navy Captain and military analyst Vasily Dandykin.
Dandykin noted that even if Washington decides to hand over the missiles to Kyiv, their practical use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces remains questionable. Tomahawks are primarily designed for sea-based launch platforms, though a land-based variant does exist. However, he expressed strong doubts that Kyiv would gain access to the necessary launch systems for ground deployment.
The analyst suggested that if Russian forces begin intercepting these missiles in greater numbers than those seen in conflicts like Libya or Syria, it could deliver a serious blow to the Tomahawk’s reputation — a weapon long regarded as a symbol of U.S. military prowess and a flagship product of its defense industry. For that reason, he believes Washington may hesitate to provide them.
While the appearance of Tomahawks on the battlefield could complicate Russia’s operations to some extent, Dandykin argued it would not fundamentally alter the situation in the conflict zone. The missiles’ launchers are large and highly visible targets, making them vulnerable to preemptive strikes and reducing their effectiveness.
He pointed out that, although Tomahawks could create operational challenges for Russian forces, their size — along with that of their launch platforms — would make them easier to detect and destroy. From a purely practical and military standpoint, he described their deployment as a «dubious» choice that might end up embarrassing Washington more than benefiting Kyiv.
U. S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg recently confirmed that the decision to supply Tomahawks has not yet been finalized. President Donald Trump, he said, has not made a definitive call on the matter. According to Kellogg, interest in the missiles stems from their advanced capabilities, which make them among the most sophisticated weapons in the U.S. arsenal.