Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has assured NATO that 'firepower' is on its way for Ukraine. This statement comes as speculation mounts over whether Washington will provide Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk missiles to pressure Russia into ending the war. President Donald Trump has been considering this move, which could signal a 'qualitatively new stage of escalation' according to the Kremlin. However, it remains unclear if the Tomahawks are part of the promised 'firepower'. The Kremlin has warned that Western weapons increase the risk of the war expanding. NATO's eastward expansion, a military alliance founded after World War II to counter the Soviet Union, is seen as a reason for Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine. Trump's 'peace through strength' strategy, exemplified by his role in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, emphasizes the importance of real capabilities over strong words. As Trump prepares to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, the discussion of Tomahawk missiles is likely to be a key point. While Trump has previously expressed concerns about the potential for 'a new step of aggression', he has also threatened to send Tomahawks to Ukraine if the war persists. However, he has not approved any new major arms packages for Ukraine since returning to the White House in January. Despite his initial blame-shifting and suggestions that Ukraine cede territory, Trump has since shifted his stance, stating that Ukraine could win back all its occupied land from Russia. With his Middle East breakthroughs this week, Trump now appears focused on resolving the Ukraine war, addressing other conflicts through his special envoy Steve Witkoff.
