Putin Warns US: Tomahawks Are a ‘Qualitatively New Stage of Escalation’

Moscow – President Vladimir Putin has delivered a clear and unambiguous warning to the United States, labeling the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine as a “qualitatively new stage of escalation” that would have dire consequences.
Speaking to his top military commanders, Putin argued that the technical complexity of the missile system would make its use “impossible” without the direct participation of American military forces. Such a move, he stated, would destroy Moscow’s relationship with Washington.
This threat was issued in tandem with a triumphant announcement of military progress. Putin claimed that Russian forces have seized almost 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land this year, which he says has secured the “complete strategic initiative” for his country.
While Russia focused on the threat of conventional escalation, Ukraine highlighted an unconventional one. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of using its oil tanker fleet for covert operations, including espionage and sabotage.
Zelenskyy, however, remained optimistic about countering this. He stated that Kyiv is working in close cooperation with its allies to develop a response, affirming that “it is entirely possible to stop” these alleged activities.