Within two weeks, Presidents Putin and Trump could meet in a surprisingly chosen location: the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Experts say the trigger is the hinted transfer of a long-range American missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to Ukraine. Although Trump was cautious about the details during his recent appearance in Florida, even the suggestion of delivering the weapon was enough to bring Putin to the negotiating table. But what exactly is the American Tomahawk missile, and is it really that dangerous to Russia?

Trump and Putin could meet in October

It appears that another meeting between Trump and Putin could take place this October, following their discussions in Alaska on 15 August. On that occasion, the Russian president agreed to speak with Trump on American soil (though formerly part of Russia) about ending the invasion of Ukraine — but those talks produced few concrete results. Trump expressed his frustration with Putin several times, unable to understand why Moscow refused to halt the war. Analysts believe Putin’s goal was merely to buy time, as attacks and offensives against Ukrainian targets continued.

Trump and Putin in Anchorage Orbán
Trump and Putin in Alaska. Spectacular gestures instead of content. Photo: Anadolu/Kremlin Press Office

The Russians have run out of steam, Americans at full strength?

According to foreign and security policy expert Anton Bendarjevskiy, the Russian summer offensive has faltered, and Trump has become increasingly angry. Reports suggest that Trump’s leadership facilitated a ceasefire in Gaza, raising concerns that American attention may now shift entirely to Ukraine — particularly since the President has promised to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles.

American superweapon against Putin
Launching a tomahawk missile from an American cruiser. The USA built land-based launch sites only in 2024. Photo: FB/Anton Bendarjevskiy

Putin and other Russian officials have previously warned that delivering those missiles would “destroy Russo-American relations” — a red line for Moscow. Yet Trump appears very determined, which led him to call Putin last Thursday (they spoke for two and a half hours) and agree to meet in Budapest, on the territory of a NATO country — likely influenced by the Hungarian government’s close relations with Moscow.

What are Tomahawk missiles capable of?

Here’s an impressive list of capabilities:

  • A range of 1,600 km, with some variants reaching 2,500 km (compared with current ATACMS missiles, which have only 300 km)
  • Able to carry a warhead weighing up to 450 kg
  • Potential to be fitted with nuclear warheads
  • Capable of penetrating walls and steel structures, causing serious damage even in heavily fortified bunkers (for example, it could strike Russia’s largest drone facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan)
  • Accuracy of around 5 metres, making it an extremely precise weapon
  • Speed of 885 km/h, with good radar evasion despite not being a stealth missile
  • Used extensively in multiple wars — first in the Gulf War and most recently this year against Houthi rebels in Yemen; proven and reliable.

American superweapon against Putin 1
Photo: depositphotos.com

The Hungarian media outlet Privátbankár collected the drawbacks of Tomahawk missiles:

  • The Hungarian media outlet Privátbankár compiled the drawbacks of Tomahawk missiles:
  • More advanced missiles exist, and the US is unlikely to give away its latest models
  • Limited quantities available; part of the stock is required for deterrence in the Middle East and against China. Experts estimate between 20 and 50 missiles, possibly up to 1,000 if older stock is refurbished — a process that takes time
  • The US probably cannot provide a large, continuous supply in the hundreds to Ukraine
  • Few land-based launch sites exist, and they are vulnerable to Russian attacks, meaning only a limited number of strikes could be launched against Russian targets

Precise strikes thanks to American support

In recent weeks and months, US intelligence has helped Ukrainians carry out highly effective precision strikes — even using inexpensive drones — targeting Russian strategic sites and causing fuel shortages in many Russian or Russian-controlled areas (such as Crimea). The Kremlin likely recognises the potential destruction that Tomahawks could cause: they might shoot down one missile, but dozens would likely reach their targets.

Despite this, Anton Bendarjevskiy suggests that the threat to supply Tomahawks might be an American bluff (Trump last stated that he would end the war without handing over the missiles). Putin, too, might be bluffing by agreeing to come to Budapest; his goal may still be to buy time and continue weakening Ukrainian resistance.

Yesterday, Zelensky expressed hope that the US would supply such long-range missiles to Ukraine, while voicing scepticism about Putin’s genuine desire for peace. He added that Trump might indeed be putting pressure on his Russian counterpart. The Ukrainian president also reaffirmed his support for the US Congress to impose sanctions and tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil — including Hungary.

Other American “superweapons” are already on their way

In an interview with Szeretlek Magyarország, Bendarjevskiy revealed that although Tomahawks are in the spotlight, a decision has already been made for the US to supply Ukraine with large quantities of SM–6 (ERAM) missiles, which have a range of 450 km. These are expected to be even more devastating than previously used weapons, especially with continuous American intelligence support.

At the Budapest meeting, Bendarjevskiy believes the two leaders could either agree in broad terms on a settlement plan or achieve partial results — such as a limited ceasefire on airstrikes — since air attacks have caused significant losses for both sides.

The political expert says the US–Russia summit in Budapest will likely take place during the week of 27 October.