Ukraine's ambassador to US: Tomahawk would be powerful deterrent against Russian attacks

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, has said that long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles would serve as a powerful deterrent and could reduce the threat of large-scale Russian air attacks if Ukraine receives them.

"Being able to destroy the capacity of the aggressor on their territory prevents and deincentivises the aggressor from attacking Ukraine throughout all of its territory, covering our cities with missiles and killing our civilians," Stefanishyna said in an interview with blogger Mario Nawfal.

According to the diplomat, the mere understanding of the potential Ukraine would gain with Tomahawks is a serious deterrent factor.

"It's not even necessary for Ukraine to use this weapon at some point of time. Now, when the active war is taking place, it's vital, it's essential, it's totally legitimate. But even if, you know, there is a ceasefire or a peace deal, simply understanding that this capacity is available on Ukrainian territory, or elsewhere, and could be provided to you [is a very important chip in negotiations with Trump and Putin]," she said.

US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss the issue of Tomahawk missiles with Volodymyr Zelenskyy later this week.

NATO believes that while the delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would not be decisive, it would have a tangible impact on the battlefield.

A NATO representative also assessed Russia's likely response as rather restrained, despite the aggressive rhetoric coming from Moscow.