Russia is conducting an in-depth analysis of the potential supply of US Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move the Kremlin warns represents a significant escalation that could draw American personnel directly into the conflict. This development follows public confirmation by US Vice President JD Vance that Washington is considering Kyiv's request for the long-range weapons .
The consideration of providing Tomahawks marks a serious juncture in the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the central question is not the weapons themselves, but the level of direct US involvement they would necessitate . He pointedly asked whether Americans would be required to launch the missiles or determine their targets, stating these scenarios require "a very deep analysis" . Russian officials have made it clear that any US military specialists assisting with Tomahawk operations would be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces .
Despite the escalatory nature of the potential transfer, Moscow has sought to downplay the tactical impact of the Tomahawks on the battlefield. Peskov publicly dismissed the idea that any single weapon system could alter the war's trajectory, asserting there is "no panacea that can change the situation on the fronts" for what he termed the "Kyiv regime" . This statement aligns with the Russian defense ministry's position that its forces are making slow but steady gains in eastern Ukraine, a dynamic they believe advanced missiles cannot reverse .
This diplomatic exchange occurs amidst continued intense military operations. Recently, Russian forces conducted one of the largest combined missile and drone strikes of the war, launching hundreds of projectiles at targets across Ukraine in a barrage that lasted over twelve hours . Simultaneously, tensions with NATO have been rising, with the alliance reporting multiple incidents of unidentified drones operating near military facilities in member states like Denmark and Norway, and Russian fighter jets violating the airspace of Estonia, a NATO member .
The Tomahawk cruise missile represents a substantial increase in Ukraine's potential strike capability. With a range of about 1,500 miles (2,500 km), it could theoretically put targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow, within reach if launched from Ukrainian territory . This far exceeds the range of most other Western systems currently provided to Ukraine, such as ATACMS, which have a maximum range of about 190 miles . Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has argued that possessing such a weapon would itself create "additional pressure" on Russia to negotiate, potentially without it even being used .
The debate over Tomahawks underscores the fragile and dangerous state of the conflict. While US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg has stated that President Trump has authorized Ukraine to "hit deep" and that "there are no such things as sanctuaries," the final decision on transferring these specific missiles remains pending . Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stark reminder of the risks, warning that Europe "simply cannot afford a war with Russia" and alluding to the ever-present possibility of a "fatal accident" that could spiral out of control . The situation presents a critical test of whether diplomatic channels can manage the risks of a significant escalation in direct Western involvement.