Russian President Vladimir Putin promised a potentially “overwhelming” response if Ukraine receives Tomahawk missiles, but he also vowed to continue “dialogue” despite US counterpart Donald Trump calling off a conference.
“Any conflict or confrontation, particularly war, is always preferable to dialogue. Putin told reporters, “We have always backed the continuation of dialogue.”
The retaliation would be “very strong, if not overwhelming,” he continued, if Russia were to be attacked by Tomahawk missiles, which Ukraine wants.
In an earlier interview, U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg stated that Washington was “looking at” sending Ukraine Tomahawk cruise missiles in response to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request.
The Tomahawk is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile with an operational range of approximately 1,600–2,500 kilometers that is intended for precise strikes on land targets.
Although the Tomahawk is typically used in a conventional configuration for tactical strikes, it can be outfitted as a strategic weapon with a nuclear payload.
Usually launched from ships or airplanes, tomahawks are programmed with target coordinates, flight profile, routing, and computerized terrain maps prior to launch. Arming codes are also uploaded by strategic launch platforms. The missile uses both satellite and inertial navigation to find its way.
For security considerations, only U.S. personnel are usually allowed to operate strategic launch systems; allied personnel are usually denied access to these launchers.
The deployment of Tomahawks to Ukraine first appeared improbable since it required not only the provision of missiles but also the transfer of launch platforms and the stationing of American personnel in Ukraine to program and shoot the missiles.
According to Indian expert Vijainder K. Thakur, such a deployment would run the risk of being interpreted as a direct American strike on Russia, which might lead to a swift and hazardous escalation.
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, stated on Thursday that although the most recent US sanctions against two large oil companies were “serious,” they were not severe enough to have a substantial impact on the country’s economy.
The United States imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, on Wednesday. These were the first sanctions imposed on Russia since US President Donald Trump took office again. It is obvious that the sanctions are severe for us. And while they will have some effects, Putin assured reporters that they will not have a major effect on our economic health.
