Trump Signals Tougher Stance on Russia, Authorizes Ukraine Long-Range Strikes

Washington — President Donald Trump is escalating U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, authorizing long-range strikes deep into Russian territory, considering the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv and pressing China and India to reduce purchases of Russian oil.

The shift, announced over the weekend, marks a departure from earlier frustrations with the prolonged conflict. Trump has authorized Ukraine to conduct long-range strikes inside Russia, according to U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg. Vice President JD Vance said the administration is reviewing a request to provide Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of about 1,500 miles and could potentially target Moscow, though the decision remains with Trump. The weapons would be funded by European partners, Vance noted.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the potential transfer, questioning whether Ukraine could operate the missiles without U.S. assistance and insisting no single weapon could alter the battlefield dynamics. "There is no panacea that can change the situation on the fronts," Peskov said.

Trump's rhetoric has hardened since a February meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last week, he declared that Ukraine could reclaim all its pre-invasion territory, calling it "very much an option," and urged NATO members to intercept Russian drones and jets entering their airspace. He criticized Russia for "fighting aimlessly for three and a half years in a war that should have taken a real military power less than a week to win."

The policy comes amid Russian provocations, including drones entering Polish and Romanian airspace and missile-carrying jets crossing into Estonia this month. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu described the incursions as tests of NATO solidarity, calling for increased defense measures.

Following an August summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska that yielded few results, Trump has intensified pressure on Moscow. He is coordinating a new sanctions package with allies and has faulted NATO countries, China and India for sustaining Russia's war effort through energy purchases. At the United Nations General Assembly, Trump stated, "Inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy products. China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil."

Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi's reliance on Russian fuel, with officials hinting at further measures if purchases do not decline.