The Russian president warned that delivering this weaponry to Kyiv would mark a 'new phase' of confrontation with Washington and would affect the fragile détente scenario
Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, warned that the possible delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine by the United States would trigger a "new escalation" in the war and in bilateral relations with Washington. During his speech at the Valdai Club in Sochi, the president described the weaponry as "powerful" and stated that, although it is not next-generation, it represents a real threat to Russia.
"Can Tomahawks cause us damage? They can. But we'll develop our air defense systems," Putin said, emphasizing that their eventual use could not occur without the direct involvement of U.S. military personnel.
Long-range missiles under debate in Washington
The vice president of the United States, JD Vance, confirmed that the administration is considering for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion the possibility of delivering Tomahawk missiles, with a range of 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles), to Kyiv. These weapons would allow key targets in Russian territory to be attacked, significantly expanding Ukraine's offensive capabilities.
Vladimir Putin amenazó a Estados Unidos por el envío de misiles Tomahawk a Ucrania
The debate also includes the option of providing intelligence information on Russian energy infrastructure, which would consolidate a new phase in Western military cooperation with Ukraine.
Russian reaction and the European factor
Putin warned that the arrival of such missiles would open "a qualitatively new stage" in the conflict, while accusing Europe of promoting increasing militarization that hinders negotiation efforts. He stated that Moscow will give a "very convincing" response to these threats, although he insisted that Russia never initiated the confrontation.
The president also blamed the West for the origin of the crisis, linking it to security policies imposed after the Cold War.
Vladimir Putin amenazó a Estados Unidos por el envío de misiles Tomahawk a Ucrania
Trump, a point of contrast
Amid his criticism of Western policy, Putin referred to Donald Trump, describing him as a leader with a "rational" approach and guided by the national interests of the United States. Although he acknowledged that there are differences in the global vision, he highlighted that under his leadership there were more concrete attempts at détente between Moscow and Washington.
