Zelenskyy Pledges Precision Strike: Tomahawks Reserved for Russian Military Targets

Ukraine's Zelenskyy Vows to Target Russian Military with Tomahawks In a phone call with US President Donald Trump on October 11, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his country would only use long-range Tomahawk missiles against Russian military targets. This statement comes as the Kremlin expressed alarm over Washington's potential plan to offer the weapons to Kyiv. According to Fox News, Zelenskyy described the conversation with Trump as "very productive," noting that they had discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities. This was the second time the pair had spoken in as many days. "We will only use Tomahawks against Russian military targets," Zelenskyy said on X, emphasizing his commitment to precision and restraint. "Our goal is to protect our people and territory, not to engage in a broader conflict." The Ukrainian president's statement was met with skepticism by some analysts, who questioned the feasibility of such a strategy. "While Tomahawks can be effective against military targets, their use also carries significant risks," said Dr. Natalia Kovalenko, a defense expert at Kyiv University. "We must consider the potential consequences for civilians and the broader regional dynamics." The Kremlin has long been critical of Ukraine's military actions, accusing them of targeting Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine. Russia's ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, expressed concern over Washington's potential plan to supply Tomahawks to Kyiv, warning that it could escalate tensions. In response to Zelenskyy's statement, Trump said he would only agree to provide the missiles if Ukraine committed to using them exclusively against Russian military targets. "We want to make sure our allies are using these weapons responsibly," a White House spokesperson explained. The development marks a significant shift in Ukraine's military strategy, which has long relied on US-supplied Javelin anti-tank missiles and other conventional arms. The introduction of Tomahawks would provide Kyiv with a more powerful and precise tool for targeting Russian forces. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold, the use of advanced missile systems like Tomahawks raises important questions about the role of technology in modern warfare. "The increasing reliance on precision-guided munitions highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability," said Dr. Kovalenko. "We must ensure that these weapons are used responsibly and with careful consideration for their impact on civilians." The current status of the conflict remains uncertain, with both sides continuing to exchange fire in eastern Ukraine. As the situation evolves, it is clear that the introduction of Tomahawks will have significant implications for the region's security dynamics. Background: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2014, when pro-Russian separatists declared independence in eastern Ukraine. Since then, the fighting has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The introduction of advanced missile systems like Tomahawks marks a new phase in the conflict, with significant implications for regional security. Next Developments: As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that both sides will continue to exchange fire, with the potential for further escalation. The introduction of Tomahawks raises important questions about the role of technology in modern warfare and the need for greater transparency and accountability. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*