Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to the Western nations, indicating a potential severe retaliation in response to a recent threat made by Donald Trump. The US President is reportedly considering supplying Ukraine with advanced long-range Tomahawk missiles if Russia does not increase its efforts to facilitate peace. This move has raised concerns among Kremlin associates who view it as a significant escalation, granting Ukraine the capability to strike deep into Russian territory.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at the possibility of providing Kyiv with the weapons, stating, “We’ll see… I may.” He further mentioned a potential discussion with Putin regarding the situation and the option of sending Tomahawks if the conflict persists, warning of the missiles’ aggressive nature in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The Kremlin has expressed deep apprehension over these developments, with propagandist Dmitry Peskov highlighting the escalating tensions and describing the situation as “very dramatic.” Russia has previously cautioned the US against arming Ukraine with such weapons, foreseeing a significant escalation in the conflict and a deterioration of relations between the two nations.
Trump’s ultimatum follows a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky, where the latter reportedly requested the missiles to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities in countering Russian advances. Tomahawk missiles, with a range of 2,500 km and a substantial cost per unit, could potentially pose a threat to Moscow, enabling precision strikes on Russian military and energy assets from a distance.
Peskov also alluded to Russia’s potential response with older versions of Tomahawk missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. This heightened tension has drawn comparisons to historical events like the Cuban Missile Crisis, with concerns about the potential for a nuclear conflict looming over the current situation.
Putin has expressed strong reservations about the supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, warning that such actions could severely damage his relationship with Trump and disrupt the positive momentum in their interactions. The Russian President emphasized the significance of the decision and its implications on the broader diplomatic landscape, underscoring the delicate balance of international relations at stake.
