‘New Stage of Escalation’: Putin Praises Trump, Warns Against Supplying Tomahawk Missiles To Ukraine

Last Updated:October 03, 2025, 07:56 IST

Putin described the possible transfer of Tomahawk missiles as a “qualitatively new stage of escalation” in the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall for a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow. (IMAGE: AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned US President Donald Trump that Moscow’s ties with Washington would suffer a severe blow if the United States supplied Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. While stressing that such weapons would be dangerous, Putin argued they would not alter the balance of the conflict.

Speaking on Thursday, Putin described the possible transfer of Tomahawk missiles as a “qualitatively new stage of escalation" in the war. He warned that their use would require direct American involvement on the battlefield.

“This will mean a completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation, including in relations between Russia and the United States," he said, adding, “It is impossible to use such arms without the deployment of American military personnel."

His remarks followed comments by US Vice President JD Vance, who confirmed that Ukraine had formally requested the long-range missiles and that Washington was considering the request.

What is a Tomahawk cruise missile?

The Tomahawk cruise missile is a long-range, precision-guided weapon developed by the United States, primarily used by the Navy. It is capable of flying at low altitudes and following terrain to evade radar, it has a range of up to 2,500 kilometres (1,550 miles). 

The missile has been designed for striking high-value or heavily defended targets, it can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, though the nuclear version has largely been retired. Tomahawks are launched from ships and submarines, and their accuracy is enhanced by GPS guidance. These weapons have been used extensively in conflicts since the 1991 Gulf War, making them a cornerstone of US strike capability.

US intelligence support to Ukraine

According to Reuters, the viability of the request remains in doubt, as most Tomahawk missiles are already allocated for the US Navy and other strategic needs. At the same time, reports from The Wall Street Journal suggest that Washington is preparing to provide Kyiv with intelligence on Russian energy infrastructure, potentially enabling Ukraine to target refineries, pipelines and power plants to weaken Kremlin revenues.

Putin, however, played down the military impact of Tomahawks, insisting Russia’s defences would adapt. “It will certainly not change the balance of force on the battlefield," he said.

The Russian President also reflected on his recent summit with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, describing the discussions as constructive. “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" engaging with Trump.

At the same time, he issued a stark warning to Western allies against intercepting Russian oil shipments. “It’s piracy, and how do you deal with pirates? You destroy them," Putin remarked.

In his address, Putin also spoke about the New START treaty, the 2010 arms control pact between the US and Russia, which is due to expire in February. He reiterated Moscow’s willingness to extend the treaty.

News world ‘New Stage of Escalation’: Putin Praises Trump, Warns Against Supplying Tomahawk Missiles To Ukraine

Read More