Ukraine Seeks Long-Range Missiles Amidst Increased Air Assaults

Wed Oct 22 2025 17:11:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Ukraine suffers from intensified missile strikes, discussions are underway in the U.S. about the potential supply of long-range missiles to aid in the conflict. The conversation revolves around the implications of such support from Washington and its impact on peace negotiations.

The U.S. is weighing a request from Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles. Vice-President JD Vance indicated that the final decision rests with President Trump. With Ukraine's demand for more effective weaponry to offset escalating attacks from Russia, there are calls for diplomatic engagement as the conflict intensifies.

The U.S. is considering a request by Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance has stated. Vance emphasized that the final determination on this matter will be made by President Donald Trump.

Ukraine has been urging its Western allies to deliver weapons with the capability of striking deep into Russian territory, contending that such capabilities would significantly impair Russia's military capabilities and expedite an end to the conflict. Deputy Defence Minister Ivan Havryliuk articulated this sentiment, asserting, 'If the cost of continuing the war for Moscow is too high, it will be forced to start peace talks.'

In response to Vance's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the potential impact of any new missiles, suggesting that they would not alter the situation on the front lines.

Tomahawk missiles boast a range of 2,500 km (1,550 miles), potentially bringing Moscow within Ukrainian reach. While Vance's remarks were cautious regarding the supply of Tomahawks, U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg implied Trump had already allowed for deep strikes into Russian territory.

This turn of events reflects a recent shift in tone from U.S. officials, who previously displayed skepticism over Ukraine's resilience against Russia. Last week, Trump stated that Ukraine could reclaim its territories, a declaration that reportedly surprised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ongoing tensions escalated recently, with a brutal 12-hour attack leaving casualties and destruction in Kyiv. Such intensified assaults highlight the urgency for Ukraine to request advanced Patriot missile defense systems from its allies to protect against the growing aerial threats.

In the face of adversarial attacks, Havryliuk noted that Ukraine's air defense is being challenged as Russia employs more sophisticated drones, emphasizing the need for collective Western support to counteract Moscow.

Ultimately, Ukraine is striving to bolster its defenses while continuing to develop its domestic military capabilities, aiming for a combination of air defense systems and long-range strike capabilities to leverage power in potential negotiations for peace.