FT: U.S. Contractors Would Prepare Tomahawks for Strikes on Russia if Sent to Ukraine

American contractors are likely to prepare Tomahawk cruise missiles for strikes on Russia if U.S. President Donald Trump decides to provide them to Ukraine.

Clash Report reported on this, citing the Financial Times.

The article notes that this approach would eliminate the need for lengthy training of Ukrainian forces to use the weapons.

Meanwhile, it would also leave the United States the right to approve strike targets on Russian territory.

Officials say this minimizes the risk of escalation and prevents the transfer of sensitive technologies.

It is reported that targeting Tomahawk missiles requires configuring a complex navigation and targeting system, with components of a so‑called “black box” controlled by the United States.

A senior NATO official told the Financial Times that Russia would likely respond to such a U.S. move with “irresponsible rhetoric” and threats, as well as intensified strikes on Ukraine. However, he does not expect an “unpredictable” reaction from Moscow.

Tomahawk missiles would enable Ukraine to conduct combined attacks and more effectively destroy oil refineries, defense plants, logistics hubs, and Russian command posts.

In addition, cruise missiles could target military airfields that host Russian bombers striking Ukraine.

Experts interviewed by the publication suggest that the U.S. is unlikely to transfer a large number of missiles at once. They expect initial deliveries to be about 20–50 missiles, which is far fewer than Ukraine has requested.

Previously, the Russian Foreign Ministry threatened the United States with “serious consequences” over the possible transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.

The statement came in response to remarks by Donald Trump last week, in which he said he was close to deciding on providing Ukraine with the relevant weapons.