Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned the United States that providing long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would mark a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict. He said such a move would introduce a “qualitatively new stage” in relations between Moscow and Washington and could not be carried out without the direct deployment of American military personnel.
US weighs Ukraine’s missile request
Putin’s comments came after US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Kyiv had formally requested Tomahawk cruise missiles and that Washington was considering the proposal. While Ukraine has long pushed for long-range strike capabilities, US officials remain cautious.
According to a Reuters report citing sources, most Tomahawk missile stockpiles are currently reserved for the US Navy and other strategic requirements, making large-scale transfers to Ukraine unlikely in the near future.
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that the US is preparing to share intelligence with Ukraine on long-range energy infrastructure targets inside Russia. Analysts say this could enable Ukraine to strike oil and energy facilities that provide key revenue streams for Moscow.
Putin: missiles won’t change battlefield balance
Reacting to questions on the possible transfer of Tomahawks, Putin argued that while such missiles could cause damage, Russia’s air defence systems would quickly adapt.
“It will certainly not change the balance of force on the battlefield,” he asserted. The Russian leader suggested that the United States risked overcommitting by sending hardware intended primarily for its own naval defence.
Praise for Trump meeting, criticism of Western actions
Putin also struck a conciliatory note regarding US President Donald Trump, praising their recent meeting in Alaska where both leaders discussed possible avenues for peace talks.
“It was good that we made an attempt to search for and find possible ways to settle the Ukrainian crisis,” Putin said, adding that he felt “comfortable” talking with Trump.
At the same time, he lashed out at Ukraine’s Western backers, warning them against intercepting ships carrying Russian oil. Calling such actions “piracy,” he said: “And how do you deal with pirates? You destroy them.”
Arms control concerns
In a broader reflection on global security, Putin referenced the New START treaty, the 2010 arms control agreement between the US and Russia that is due to expire in February. He reiterated Moscow’s readiness to extend the treaty, despite strained ties.
The Kremlin has repeatedly criticised Western arms supplies to Ukraine, arguing they prolong the war and increase the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Escalation fears grow
The debate over Tomahawk missiles comes amid intensifying fighting in Ukraine and continued attacks on infrastructure across Russia. Analysts note that if the US were to proceed with supplying the missiles, it would mark the first time Ukraine receives a weapon system capable of striking targets more than 1,000 kilometres away.
For Moscow, such a step would confirm fears of Western escalation and further blur the line between proxy support and direct military involvement.
With the conflict showing little sign of abating, Putin’s remarks underline the fragility of US-Russia relations and the heightened risks surrounding decisions on advanced weaponry.