‘We understand that we need to wait’: Russia seeks clarity on possible US supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine

Russia on Tuesday said it was awaiting clearer signals from the United States regarding the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, warning that such weapons could theoretically carry nuclear warheads.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump said he would want to understand Ukraine’s intentions for using the missiles before approving any transfer, noting he didn’t want to escalate the war with Russia.

He, however, added that he had “sort of made a decision” on the issue.

“We understand that we need to wait, probably, for clearer statements, if any come,” Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying while responding to Trump’s remarks.

Peskov also noted that under former President Joe Biden, the US typically confirmed new arms deliveries only after the weapons had reached Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in comments published on Sunday, warned that the supply of Tomahawks — capable of long-range strikes deep into Russian territory — would irreparably damage Moscow’s relationship with Washington.

Peskov stressed the seriousness of the matter, saying, “If we abstract from various nuances, we’re talking about missiles that could also be nuclear-capable. Therefore, this is truly a serious round of escalation.”

With a range of 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles), Tomahawk missiles would give Ukraine the ability to strike targets across most of European Russia, including Moscow, if Trump authorises their transfer.

With inputs from agencies