Moscow warns of escalation as Kyiv pushes Washington for long-range Tomahawk weapons in the Russia-Ukraine war
The debate over whether the United States will supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has triggered sharp warnings from Moscow, with Russian officials calling it a potential “red line” that could escalate the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russia’s Warning Over US Missiles
Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Tomahawks would not be a “game-changer” for Ukraine’s military, but their delivery could signal direct US interference in the conflict.
“The question, as before, is this: who can launch these missiles? … Can only Ukrainians launch them, or do American soldiers have to do that? Who is determining the targeting — the Americans or the Ukrainians?” Peskov asked.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev went further, warning on Telegram that such moves could lead to war involving “weapons of mass destruction”. Moscow has also hinted at restarting production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons in response.
Ukraine’s Request and the US Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he requested the missiles during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Previously, under Joe Biden’s administration, Kyiv was restricted from using US-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia to avoid direct escalation. But Trump appears more flexible. According to Zelenskyy, Trump told him Ukraine could retaliate “like-for-like” — for example, hitting Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow targeted Ukraine’s.
US Vice President JD Vance said the request is under serious review, noting that Trump would make the “final determination.” Meanwhile, Keith Kellogg, Washington’s special envoy to Ukraine, added that the administration already permits Kyiv to strike “deep into Russia” in certain cases.
What Are Tomahawk Missiles?
The Tomahawk cruise missile is a long-range, precision-strike weapon first deployed in the 1970s. With a range of 1,250–2,500km (777–1,553 miles), it can be launched from ships, submarines, or ground systems.
Tomahawks are designed to carry high-explosive warheads capable of destroying hardened targets, including bunkers, while flying at low altitudes to avoid radar. They are produced exclusively by RTX, a leading US defense contractor.
Why Ukraine Wants Them
Ukraine has repeatedly pushed for long-range missiles to target Russian military assets far beyond the front lines. Western allies, including NATO members, had long resisted such requests, fearing escalation, but some restrictions have gradually eased.
The UK has already supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles since 2023, which have a range of about 250km (155 miles). By August 2024, Britain even authorized Kyiv to use them directly against Russian targets — a precedent that could make US approval of Tomahawks more likely.
As fighting drags on past its third year, the decision over whether Washington supplies Tomahawk missiles may determine not only Ukraine’s ability to strike deeper inside Russia, but also how far the US and NATO are willing to push against Moscow’s red lines.