Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning regarding the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. He stated that such a move would lead to the destruction of Moscow’s relationship with Washington, amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
Less than two months after US President Donald Trump met with Putin at a summit in Alaska, the prospect of peace appears increasingly distant. Russian forces continue to advance in Ukraine, while Russian drones reportedly fly in NATO airspace. Furthermore, Washington is now discussing direct participation in strikes deep within Russia, the world’s largest nuclear power.
Trump expressed disappointment with Putin for failing to pursue peace, labeling Russia a “paper tiger” for its inability to subdue Ukraine. In response, Putin questioned whether NATO might be the true “paper tiger” for not halting Russia’s advances.
US Considers Long-Range Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine
US Vice President JD Vance revealed last month that Washington is considering a Ukrainian request for long-range Tomahawk missiles that could potentially strike deep into Russia, including Moscow. However, it remains unclear whether a final decision has been made regarding this request.
“This decision will ultimately lead to the complete destruction of our relations, or at least ruin any positive trends we recently observed,” Putin sternly warned in a video clip released on Sunday by state television reporter Pavel Zarubin.
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that the United States plans to provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy infrastructure targets in Russia, as Washington weighs the possibility of sending missiles that could be used in such strikes. However, one US official and three other sources informed Reuters that the Trump Administration’s desire to send long-range Tomahawk missiles may not be feasible.
Tomahawk cruise missiles have an impressive range of 2,500 kilometers. If Ukraine were to acquire these missiles, the Kremlin and all of European Russia would fall within their striking distance.
Escalation and Air Defense Concerns
Putin warned that using Tomahawks would require direct participation from US military personnel. He asserted that supplying such missiles to Ukraine would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation.” He stated, “This will mean a completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation, including in relations between Russia and the United States.”
While Putin acknowledged that Tomahawks could pose a threat to Russia, he claimed that the country would simply intercept them and enhance its air defense systems.
Putin views the Ukraine war as a pivotal moment in Moscow’s relations with the West. He argues that the West humiliated Russia following the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union by expanding NATO and encroaching on what he considers Moscow’s sphere of influence.
In contrast, Western European leaders and Ukraine cast the war as an imperial-style land grab, repeatedly vowing to defeat Russian forces while arguing that unless Kyiv completely defeats Russia, President Putin will risk attacking a NATO member, an accusation he has consistently denied.
