Request for Tomahawk: What NATO PA resolution means for Ukraine
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly calls for the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine (Illustrative photo: navy.mil)
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly has passed a resolution calling for the provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. While quick decisions are unlikely, discussions may intensify, states Serhii Dzherzh, Chairman of the Ukraine-NATO Public League in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
According to him, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is more of a platform for lawmakers from member states and partners. Their opinions can be significant, as they will likely try to persuade their colleagues in their respective parliaments to support the position that Ukraine needs to be strengthened with medium-range missiles.
Therefore, the resolution is a non-binding recommendation. However, it is still positive, as it reaffirms the necessity of targeting military objectives within Russian territory.
Regarding the American Tomahawk missiles in the victory plan, it is unlikely that specific and swift decisions will be made.
"As far as I know, the resolution mentioned the need to provide Ukraine with ballistic and medium-range missiles with ranges between 1,000 to 2,500 kilometers. I believe it generally referred to medium-range missiles. Tomahawks are typically sea-based, although the U.S. may have a land-based equivalent," Dzherzh noted.
Resolution calling for Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine
According to Ukrainian MP and head of the Ukrainian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Yehor Cherniev, the adopted resolution calls for ballistic missiles with ranges of 1,000 to 5,500 kilometers, including systems like Tomahawk, capable of striking at strategic depth.
He also hopes that the resolution will provide a legal basis for further decisions regarding the provision of such weapons. Cherniev reminded that during the previous session, the Ukrainian delegation raised the issue of Western weapons being used for strikes on Russian territory. Recently, the US, the UK, and France have given the green light to such actions.
“We hope for a positive decision this time as well,” he added.
In late October, President Volodymyr Zelenskнy confirmed that the request for Tomahawk missiles is included in the classified annexes to the victory plan.
These are multipurpose cruise missiles designed for both strategic and tactical missions. They are primarily launched from submarine and surface platforms, though the Tomahawk family includes missiles capable of being launched from land and air platforms.
The missiles fly at extremely low altitudes and have been used in all major military operations involving the US since their introduction in 1983.
