Moscow – The potential for the United States to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has become a critical flashpoint, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning it could trigger a “qualitatively new stage” in the war.
Putin’s threat, delivered to his military leadership, is based on the assertion that the missiles cannot be used without direct U.S. military personnel. This, he says, would be a direct escalation by Washington and would lead to the “destruction” of their relationship.
This warning came as Putin also announced major battlefield successes. He claimed his forces have seized control of almost 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2025, giving Moscow the “complete strategic initiative.”
In a separate development that highlights the war’s evolving nature, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of a new form of covert warfare. He alleged that Russia’s oil tanker fleet is being used for espionage and sabotage.
Zelenskyy expressed his determination to fight back, stating that Kyiv is working with its partners on the issue. He affirmed his belief that “it is entirely possible to stop” these clandestine maritime activities.