Moscow–Washington Tensions Rise:
Russia has issued a strong warning to the United States over its plans to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. In a veiled caution to US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that such a move would seriously damage bilateral relations between Moscow and Washington.
Putin stated that the Ukrainian army lacks the capability to operate these advanced missiles independently, accusing US military personnel of being directly involved in their handling and deployment.
Putin’s Warning to President Trump:
During an interview on Saturday, President Putin said, “Such a move by President Trump would ruin our relations.” He also repeated his claim that US military personnel are assisting Ukrainian forces behind the scenes.
Earlier, at the Valdai Discussion Club, the Russian President remarked that the Ukrainian army could not operate Tomahawk missiles without the direct support of US specialists.
Putin emphasized that even if the missiles were delivered, they would not change the balance of power on the battlefield, asserting that Russia’s air defense systems are already well-equipped to counter such Western-supplied weapons.
US Considering Supplying Tomahawk Missiles to Kyiv:
In late September, US Vice President J.D. Vance said that the White House was considering supplying Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv as part of expanded military support.
Each Tomahawk missile costs approximately ₹114.4 million (US$1.44 million) and has a range of about 2,500 kilometers, capable of reaching Moscow and beyond.
According to reports, the debate over supplying these long-range missiles began after a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month. During that meeting, Zelensky specifically requested the delivery of Tomahawk missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Putin: ‘Supply of Missiles Won’t Change Battlefield Reality’
Putin reiterated that Russia’s military strength remains unshaken despite Western arms supplies to Ukraine. “The supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles will not change the battlefield dynamics. Our air defenses are already adapted to such threats,” he stated.
The Russian leader’s warning comes amid renewed diplomatic friction between the US and Russia, as the Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with increasing Western military assistance.
