Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) stated Friday on Fox Business Network’s “Varney & Co.” that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be a “game-changer” and could decisively shift the war in Ukraine’s favor. Ernst believes these long-range weapons would force Russia to scale back aggression and restore a strategic balance.
When asked by host Stuart Varney whether Tomahawks would change the war’s trajectory, Ernst responded, “Absolutely… The Ukrainians will not win this war just simply being on defense.” She acknowledged concerns over the U.S. military’s stockpile but emphasized that controlled usage of Tomahawks in Ukraine would maximize impact without compromising national security.
Ernst argued that equipping Ukraine with offensive capabilities is critical. “Providing those weapons to Ukraine would give the Ukrainians that definite edge to win this war and put Russia back into a box,” she said. She referenced retired Gen. Jack Keane’s earlier analysis, which suggested that Russia is operating under internal pressure and would likely retreat in the face of stronger resistance.
The Tomahawk missile, a precision, long-range cruise missile used by the U.S. Navy and other allied forces, would significantly enhance Ukraine’s reach and targeting capacity. Its deployment could allow Ukraine to strike strategic Russian military sites deep beyond the front lines, a capability they currently lack.
Ernst’s remarks reflect growing calls among Senate Republicans for the Biden administration to expand military aid to Ukraine with more advanced and longer-range systems. These calls come amid warnings from the Pentagon about the strain on U.S. munitions reserves.
As war fatigue grows domestically, and political division over continued support for Ukraine intensifies, Ernst’s proposal highlights a push within the GOP for a more assertive approach to countering Russian aggression—arguing that victory requires more than defense.
