Ukraine Seeks Advanced American Missiles to Counter Russian Offensive Operations

Intense combat continues along Ukraine’s eastern frontline this week, where a senior Ukrainian military commander has made a direct appeal to the Trump administration for advanced long-range weaponry.

Major Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of the 225th Battalion operating in northern Ukraine, spoke from an undisclosed location in the northeastern Sumy region, where his forces are currently holding defensive positions against Russian advances in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

“The main thing that we need is long-range missiles,” Shyriaiev stated. He characterized the current conflict as “the biggest war in the world since World War II,” placing the struggle in its proper historical context.

The Ukrainian officer emphasized that his nation’s fight extends beyond merely repelling Russian military aggression. For Ukraine, this war represents an opportunity to achieve genuine independence after centuries of Moscow’s influence. Since gaining formal independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has sought to establish itself as a sovereign nation free from Russian domination.

“For the last 300 years, our confrontation, that is, the confrontation between Ukraine and Russia, has been our chance to gain independence. And I am sure that we will win this war,” Shyriaiev explained.

The specific weapon system requested is the Tomahawk cruise missile, an American-made precision strike weapon with a range of approximately 1,550 miles. These subsonic missiles, typically launched from United States Navy surface vessels and submarines, are designed to penetrate deep into enemy territory with considerable accuracy.

Military analysts suggest that providing Ukraine with such long-range strike capabilities could significantly alter the battlefield dynamics. John Hardie, deputy director of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies Russia Program, noted that bolstering Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities would enable Ukrainian forces to impose greater costs on Moscow and undermine Russian offensive operations. Such capabilities would also provide both Ukraine and the United States with greater leverage in any future peace negotiations.

President Trump previously indicated openness to providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles. During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s October visit to the White House, the President stated, “If this war doesn’t get settled, I may send Tomahawks.”

However, the administration’s position shifted in early November. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on November 2nd, President Trump indicated that the United States would not be sending Ukraine Tomahawk missiles at this time.

The request comes as Ukrainian forces continue to defend against Russian advances along multiple fronts. The outcome of this conflict carries implications not only for European security but for the broader international order, as nations worldwide observe how the United States and its allies respond to territorial aggression by a major power.

Major Shyriaiev, who has received commendations from President Zelenskyy for his service, continues to hold his position on the front lines, representing the determination of Ukrainian forces to resist Russian advances regardless of the level of Western military support ultimately provided.