Russia: Ukrainian Tomahawks missiles would "qualitatively" change situation

The potential acquisition of US Tomahawk missiles by Ukraine would represent a significant shift in the strategic landscape, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on October 8.

Speaking to journalists in Moscow, Ryabkov stated that the deployment of such systems, if it occurs, would constitute a “substantial, perhaps even qualitative, change in the situation,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

However, he emphasised that Moscow’s determination to achieve its objectives in Ukraine would remain unaffected.

US Vice President J.D. Vance told Fox News that the administration is discussing the possibility of supplying Tomahawk missiles to other NATO countries for onward transfer to Kyiv, but any final decision rests with President Donald Trump.

Speaking at the White House, Trump stressed that he aims to avoid escalating the conflict in Ukraine when making decisions on military support. He did not rule out sending Tomahawks but said he needed clarity on their intended use and targets. 

Trump added that he had generally made up his mind on whether such a transfer would be appropriate.

On October 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that potential US Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine could undermine the emerging positive trend in US–Russia relations. Putin said discussions of new long-range precision weapons risked damaging ties between the two countries.

By Aghakazim Guliyev