Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed strong disapproval over discussions regarding the potential supply of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine by the United States, labeling it as an 'attempt at escalation.' Putin emphasized the gravity of such a move, warning of a robust response if these weapons were employed against Russian territory.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Russian leader made these remarks following his participation in the plenary session of the 17th Congress of the Russian Geographical Society in Moscow. His comments came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's dismissal of the possibility of supplying Tomahawks to Kyiv, citing the complexity of the weapons and the requirement for extensive US training for Ukrainian forces.
Putin reiterated his longstanding concerns about the US arming Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, stating it could severely damage US-Russian relations and significantly escalate tensions. He also reacted to the latest Western sanctions imposed on Moscow, criticizing them as pressure tactics that no self-respecting nation would succumb to.
The European Union recently passed its 19th package of sanctions against Moscow, while the US Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting Russia's major oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. Despite acknowledging potential consequences, Putin downplayed the impact of these sanctions on Russia's economy, pointing out that Trump had imposed numerous sanctions during his first term.
Putin described the new US sanctions as an 'unfriendly act' that undermines the improving ties between Moscow and Washington. He emphasized the potential for cooperative efforts between the two countries, particularly in the economic sector, while noting that the cooperation depends not only on Russia but also on the United States.
Additionally, Putin addressed Trump's announcement of canceling a summit between the two leaders planned in Budapest, suggesting it was more of a postponement. He reiterated his preference for dialogue over confrontation and stressed the importance of well-prepared meetings to achieve meaningful outcomes.