Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine Would Worsen US-Russia Ties, Says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced concerns over the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles by the United States to Ukraine, asserting that this action would lead to a complete breakdown in US-Russia relations and initiate a fresh, dangerous period of conflict. The warning comes after discussions about the US providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which could then target major Russian cities. The Tomahawk missile boasts a range of around 2,500 kilometers, meaning it could potentially strike all of Russia. Nevertheless, some US officials have indicated that a significant number of these missiles are already earmarked for the US Navy and other departments, making it difficult to transfer them to Ukraine. During a Russian TV interview, Putin emphasized the severity of this step, adding that Russia is reinforcing its air defense to counter these missiles. Putin described the current relationship between Russia and the West as the worst since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. He also stated that NATO’s expansion threatens Russian security and aims to curtail Russia’s regional sway. Western countries and Ukraine view this as an aggressive act and a reflection of Russia’s imperialist thinking. Simultaneously, European leaders suggest that Putin may launch attacks on NATO countries if Russia is not defeated, a claim Putin has refuted on multiple occasions.