Moscow, October 6
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that US President Donald Trump would severely damage relations between Washington and Moscow if he approved the delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, RT reported.
Late last month, US Vice President JD Vance said the White House was considering providing Kiev with Tomahawk missiles, which reportedly cost about USD 1.3 million each and have a range of 2,500 kilometres (1,550 miles), allowing them to strike Moscow and beyond, RT said.
In an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Saturday, Putin said that such a move by Trump would "lead to the destruction of our relations. At least the positive tendencies that have appeared in these relations."
Earlier, speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday, the Russian President said Ukrainian forces would be unable to operate such complex missile systems without the "direct participation of American military personnel."
Putin added that "the deliveries of American Tomahawk cruise missiles will not change the balance of power on the battlefield," noting that Russia's air defence systems had already adapted to similar Western weapon supplies.
He referred to the earlier delivery of long-range ATACMS missiles, which he said "caused some damage, but in the end, Russia's air defense systems adapted."
According to RT, the debate over Tomahawk deliveries began following a meeting between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last month.
Reports suggested that Zelensky had specifically requested the missiles during that encounter.
Appearing on Fox News last Sunday, Vice President Vance said, "We're certainly looking at it."
The following day, special envoy Keith Kellogg hinted that Trump might have already authorised Ukrainian long-range strikes inside Russia.
Around the same time, the Financial Times quoted an unnamed US official who said that some within Trump's inner circle were sceptical about whether Tomahawks would significantly alter battlefield dynamics, RT reported.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Putin has a point - sending missiles that can reach Moscow is crossing a red line. The US should focus on peace talks instead of escalating the conflict. This affects global energy prices and food security that impact India too.
While Ukraine has the right to defend itself, sending long-range missiles that can hit Russian cities is too provocative. We've seen how regional conflicts can spiral - remember Kargil? Better to find diplomatic solutions. ðŸ™
India should maintain its balanced position. We have good relations with both Russia and the US. This escalation helps nobody - especially developing countries like ours that get caught in the crossfire of sanctions and economic disruptions.
Living in Delhi but originally from the US, I see both sides. However, providing weapons that can strike deep into Russia seems like unnecessary escalation. The $1.3 million per missile could be better spent on humanitarian aid.
Respectfully, I disagree with those saying this is purely escalation. If Russia hadn't invaded Ukraine, none of this would be necessary. Self-defense is a fundamental right, though I hope for peaceful resolution soon.
The timing is interesting with US elections approaching. As someone working in international relations here in Mumbai, I see this as more political posturing than genuine policy consideration. Both sides
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.