Russia's Putin Issues Stark Warning Over Potential US Missile Supply to Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a sharp warning to the United States, cautioning against the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv. Speaking to reporters, Putin said any strike on Russian territory using such weapons would provoke a "serious, if not devastating" response.

"This is clearly an attempt to escalate," Putin said. "If these missiles are used against us, the consequences will be grave. Let them think carefully before making such a move."

Despite the threat, Putin also struck a more diplomatic tone, reiterating Russia's preference for dialogue over confrontation. "We have always supported continued dialogue. It's better than disputes or war," he added.

In Washington, President Donald Trump dismissed the idea of Ukraine receiving the long-range, precision-guided Tomahawk missiles, which can hit targets over 1,500 kilometers away. "They're extremely complex weapons," Trump said from the Oval Office. "It takes six months to a year to train someone to use them. The only way a Tomahawk gets fired is if we do it-and we're not going to."

Putin also addressed the impact of Western sanctions, acknowledging their seriousness but downplaying their economic effect. "Yes, they have consequences," he said, "but they won't significantly harm our economic well-being." He described the sanctions as "unfriendly" and counterproductive to the recent thaw in Russia-US relations.