The possibility of the United States supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles has become a central topic of discussion, following recent statements from the White House. President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged that he is considering the move, which would provide Kyiv with the ability to conduct strikes deep inside Russian territory. The potential transfer of such a significant weapon system marks a pivotal moment, with implications for the future of the conflict.

Reports over the past week indicate a fluid situation regarding President Trump's final decision. While some sources report the President is actively considering the sale, others suggest he has signaled a reluctance to proceed. Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, outlets noted that Trump appeared to be "waffling" on the issue and was "leaning against" the transfer. However, it has also been reported that he has not entirely closed the door on the possibility, keeping the option on the table.

The debate centers on the Tomahawk missile's capabilities. This advanced, long-range weapon would represent a major enhancement for Ukraine's military, potentially changing the strategic dynamics of the war. For this reason, the prospect of its delivery has drawn a sharp reaction from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would constitute a "completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation."

As discussions continue, the international community is closely watching the administration's next steps. The proposal has been floated as potential leverage, with one report suggesting the missiles could be offered to Ukraine if Russia does not agree to settle the war. For now, the decision remains under consideration, leaving allies and adversaries alike waiting to see how the United States will proceed with this critical military aid question.

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Plus: Trump's Diplomatic Push, Domestic Policy Shifts, and Military Modernization.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

President Donald Trump is engaging in a series of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. In a tense meeting, President Trump refused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, prioritizing a diplomatic solution to end the war by freezing the current front lines (Axios). While Zelensky received no new weapon commitments, Trump expressed interest in a potential drone deal but reiterated that Tomahawks would be a "significant escalation" (Fox News). The President expressed hope that the conflict will conclude without Ukraine needing such missiles (Insider Paper).

These discussions are overshadowed by an upcoming summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, planned to take place in Budapest (Axios). Hungary has confirmed Putin's entry into the country for the meeting (Reuters). President Trump also announced he will meet with China's Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea (Insider Paper).

In the Middle East, White House envoy Witkoff is heading to the region to advance a Gaza peace deal, focusing on the return of hostage remains, establishing a global force, and rebuilding (Axios). The European Union is considering providing funding and expertise to help disarm Hamas as part of President Trump's peace plan (Insider Paper). However, a senior Hamas official stated the group intends to retain security control in Gaza and will not disarm (Reuters). Following a warning from Trump, Hamas official Mohammed Nazzal defended the execution of Palestinians in Gaza, labeling them criminals (Fox News).

Elsewhere, a bipartisan effort led by Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul seeks to prevent President Trump from launching military strikes in Venezuela without Congressional approval (Fox News). On the international stage, a UN decision on a carbon price for shipping was postponed due to pressure from the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the delay a "huge win" for President Trump, stating it prevented a "massive UN tax" (Insider Paper).

Domestic Affairs

The Trump administration has taken several notable domestic actions. President Trump commuted the prison sentence of former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who had been sentenced for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft (Axios). The administration also appealed to the Supreme Court regarding the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago, citing risks to federal personnel after lower courts found the move unconstitutional (Axios).

Citing the government shutdown, the Office of Management and Budget announced a pause on over $11 billion in projects for several Democratic-led cities, including New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Baltimore (Axios). The shutdown's effects are widening, as federal courts are expected to begin furloughs Monday after exhausting funds, which will limit operations across 94 district and 13 circuit courts (Axios). In legal news, former Trump adviser John Bolton pleaded not guilty to charges of mishandling classified information (Reuters).

Defense and Military Updates

The U.S. military is undergoing significant modernization and strategic shifts. The Army is digitizing its HR processes with QR codes for check-ins and AI for talent management to improve efficiency (Task & Purpose). It is also rapidly expanding its use of autonomous systems, developing "loyal wingman" drones (CCAs) for helicopters and exploring options for a Collaborative Combat Aircraft-like capability to be fielded within years (The War Zone, Breaking Defense). The Army's ammunition industry is also booming, with 155mm artillery shell production surging to 40,000 rounds per month (Breaking Defense).

The Air Force, however, faces declining capacity due to funding shortfalls, forcing it to retire more aircraft than it acquires. This trend led to the inactivation of units like the Maryland Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Squadron (Defense News). The service has also scrapped its plan for a new Independent Capabilities Command, absorbing its functions into Air Force Futures (Defense News).

In naval operations, the U.S. Navy is holding two survivors from a recent airstrike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean; at least 28 deaths have been reported since U.S. attacks in the region began in September (Defense News). In a related case, Muhammad Pahlawan, captain of a vessel smuggling Iranian arms, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in an incident that led to the deaths of two Navy SEALs in 2024 (Task & Purpose). Meanwhile, Eureka Naval Craft has unveiled a new 57-ft optionally manned light supply vessel designed for the U.S. Marines, capable of carrying 10 tons at 50 knots (Naval News).

Tragically, a Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter crashed in Southern California during a routine training flight, resulting in the death of one pilot and injuring another (Task & Purpose).

Business and Economy

Wall Street saw a mixed but generally positive week, with stocks rising as investors analyzed trade comments from President Trump and monitored the health of U.S. regional banks (Reuters, Insider Paper). However, investor unease regarding trade contributed to the U.S. dollar facing a weekly loss (Reuters).

In corporate news, Nvidia announced its first Blackwell chip wafer, produced by TSMC in the United States (Reuters). Shares for Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica reached an all-time high as investors anticipate a boom in its Meta AI glasses (Reuters), and drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk hired a U.S. pharmaceutical veteran amid increasing pricing pressure (Reuters).

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