Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States that deploying Tomahawk missiles without U.S. troop participation would create a new escalation level, heightening tensions between Russia and the U.S. . **Body:**
Warning on Tomahawk Use
President Vladimir Putin told the White House that Tomahawk cruise missiles, though powerful, are not ultra‑modern and still pose a threat. He added that they would not alter the balance of power on the battlefield, but Russia can shoot them down with upgraded air‑defence systems.
Putin warned that deploying Tomahawks without direct U.S. troop involvement would be impossible and would usher a “complete new level of escalation” between Russia and the United States.
Do Ukraine Receive Tomahawks?
Reuters reports that the United States is considering providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, but its sources say Kyiv will receive only shorter‑range missiles, not Tomahawks.
U.S. officials said they were reviewing the possibility, and President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that after his meeting with former President Donald Trump, Ukraine could receive increased support.
Russia’s Intensifying Assault in Southern Ukraine
Russian forces are mounting more frequent attacks on Ukrainian defenders in the southern front regions, moving gradually into the Donetsk region near the border. In a month, they have pushed several kilometres deeper into the oblast.
Ukrainian Defence Forces in Zaporizhzhia report heightened Russian activity, with preparations for assault units. Heavy assaults are also reported near Pokrovka in Donetsk and the city of Kypiansk in the Kharkiv region.
