The Kremlin has stated it is awaiting clearer statements from the United States regarding the potential supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, warning that such a move would represent a serious escalation due to the missile's capabilities. This response comes after U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that he had "sort of made a decision" on the matter but expressed hesitation about escalating the conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that under the previous U.S. administration, the practice was to announce new weapon supplies only after their delivery to Ukraine, suggesting a wait-and-see approach to Trump's ambiguous comments. The situation highlights the fragile state of U.S.-Russia relations, which have recently shown some positive trends.
Russian officials have been unequivocal in labeling the potential transfer of Tomahawks as a major provocation. Peskov pointed out that it is crucial to understand these missiles are "theoretically nuclear-capable," making the consideration of their transfer to Ukraine a "serious round of escalation". This concern was echoed in broader warnings from Russian foreign policy figures, who have stated that such actions carry a real risk of escalating into a conflict involving weapons of mass destruction.
President Vladimir Putin had previously warned that supplying these long-range missiles would lead to the "destruction" of the relationship between Moscow and Washington, undermining the positive developments seen under the current administration. The Tomahawk's range of 2,500 kilometers would put Moscow and much of critical Russian infrastructure within striking distance, fundamentally altering the strategic landscape.
President Trump's ambiguous stance, claiming to have "sort of made a decision" while also stating he needs to know Ukraine's plans for the missiles introduces a layer of political uncertainty. Analysts have noted that Putin appears to be betting on his personal rapport with Trump, expressing doubt that the U.S. would ultimately follow through with the delivery. Some observers suggest that Trump's primary goal is to be seen as a "president of peace," making the approval of such an escalatory weapon system unlikely.
The debate over the Tomahawks occurs amidst rising tensions. Russia has recently conducted large-scale aerial assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. In response, Ukraine has vowed to intensify strikes on Russian territory, targeting oil infrastructure and military sites.
The possibility of the United States providing weapons that could strike deep into Russia has caused visible anxiety within Russian political and media circles. While some propagandists have made nuclear threats, others have been forced to concede that a direct nuclear confrontation with the U.S. would be mutually catastrophic, revealing the limits of their own rhetoric. This internal reaction underscores the gravity with which Moscow views the potential arrival of Tomahawks in Ukraine.