Moscow downplayed Washington's decision to allow long-range Ukrainian attacks against Russian territory
Zelensky renewed his pressure to obtain high-precision weaponry that would allow him to strike strategic Russian positions. The Ukrainian leader directly raised with Trump the need to incorporate Tomahawk cruise missiles and long-range drones to strengthen the country's defense.
Although Ukraine is developing its own technology, its capability still depends on the supply and technological assistance from the United States and its NATO allies.
United States President Donald Trump authorized Ukraine to carry out long-range attacks on Russian territory using cruise missiles, under the strict supervision of the Pentagon. The measure was confirmed by the U.S. special envoy, Keith Kellogg, who emphasized that "the answer is yes, use the deep strike capability, there are no sanctuaries."
However, Kellogg clarified that the authorization is not automatic and that each operation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the White House and the Department of Defense. The decision came after a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the UN General Assembly, in which Kyiv formally requested the delivery of Tomahawk missiles.
From Moscow, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov tried to downplay Washington's decision. In his regular press conference, he stated that "there is no panacea that can change the situation on the front for the Kyiv regime. There is no magic weapon, neither Tomahawks nor missiles that can alter the dynamics of the war."
The official also raised doubts about the operability of these systems: "Who can launch these missiles? Even if they are in Kyiv's hands, are they operated by Ukrainians or U.S. personnel? Who defines the targets, Washington or Ukraine?" With these questions, the Kremlin sought to sow uncertainty about the true scope of Trump's decision.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the administration is still evaluating the delivery of Tomahawk missiles, but he stressed that Trump's authorization already marks a qualitative shift in support for Kyiv.
For Washington, the decision is also a message to Moscow and the rest of the world: there are no untouchable "sanctuaries" for Russia if it continues its provocations in European airspace and its attacks against civilians in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, while the Kremlin speaks of nonexistent "magic weapons", Trump reinforces the West's defense strategy and confirms that the United States will continue to lead the international response to Russian aggression.
