Trump warns Putin of potential Tomahawk missile transfer to Ukraine, amid Russian hospital strike.

Russia struck a Ukrainian hospital on Monday night as its intense aerial campaign persisted, mere hours after President Trump indicated he might “speak” with Moscow about providing Kyiv with Tomahawk missiles, a statement widely seen as a veiled warning.

Russia, which has consistently denied targeting civilians, has repeatedly hit hospitals throughout its conflict, now spanning over three and a half years. The recent strike in the Kharkiv region, using precision-guided KAB bombs, injured six patients at a facility housing more than 100 people, according to local news outlet The Kyiv Independent. 

Earlier on Monday morning, while aboard Air Force One, Trump informed reporters that he might need to “speak” with Russian President Putin about the potential consequences Russia could face if the U.S. supplied Ukraine with such advanced weaponry.

“They need Patriots very badly. They’d like to have tomahawks – that’s a step up,” Trump commented, following a Sunday conversation with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. 

“They’d like to have Tomahawks. We talked about that and so we’ll see. I don’t know, I might have to speak to Russia, to be honest with you, about Tomahawks,” he added, referring to the high-precision long-range cruise missile. “Do they want to have the Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.”

Zelenskyy and Trump are scheduled to meet in Washington on Friday to address Ukraine’s air defenses and strategies to intensify pressure on Putin, as both Europe and the U.S. seek to counter Russian aggression. 

“The main topics of the visit are air defense and our long-range capabilities to put pressure on Russia for the sake of peace,” Zelenskyy stated on Monday, also mentioning plans to meet with defense and energy officials and potentially attend Capitol Hill meetings with lawmakers. 

Ukraine has long sought enhanced air defenses, given Russia’s extensive use of drone and missile attacks against civilian targets, including residential buildings, schools, and maternity and children’s hospitals, since the war began.

“Now, as the war in the Middle East is coming to an end, it is important not to lose the momentum in spreading peace. The war in Europe can also be brought to a close, and for this, the leadership of both the United States and other partners is of utmost importance,” Zelenskyy affirmed. 

Trump also suggested on Monday that with a ceasefire reportedly forged between Israel and Hamas—though not fully implemented as the second phase requires the return of all deceased hostages from the Gaza Strip—he wished to redirect his focus to ending the war in Ukraine. 

Trump implied that if Russia proves unwilling to “settle” the conflict, the U.S. would provide Ukraine with the Tomahawk missiles it has long requested. However, it remains unclear what specific actions would convince Trump that Putin intends to cease his military ambitions in Ukraine, especially as Putin has continued to target civilians despite numerous meetings with Trump and other White House officials since Trump’s return to office.

For months, security experts have cautioned that Putin shows no interest in ending his war in Ukraine and will continue to pose a threat to other European nations. 

“I really think that President Putin would look great if he got this settled,” Trump remarked. “And I think he’s going to settle it. Look, we’re going to see. And if he doesn’t, it’s not going to be good for him.”

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