Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that any move to supply long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would significantly escalate tensions between Moscow and Washington, marking what he called a new stage of confrontation. Speaking at a forum of international policy experts in Sochi, the Russian leader said that while such missile supplies could cause damage, they would not alter the balance of power on the battlefield, as Russian air defences would adapt quickly.

According to Putin, “The potential supply of US Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv will signal a qualitatively new stage of escalation, including in relations between Russia and the US.” He added that although the weapons could inflict harm, they would “certainly not change the balance of force on the battlefield.” The Russian leader emphasised that Russian troops were steadily advancing, insisting that Western military aid is only delaying the inevitable rather than changing outcomes.

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When asked to respond to former US President Donald Trump’s remark describing Russia as a “paper tiger”, Putin retorted that Russia is engaged in a conflict not only with Ukraine but with the entire NATO bloc. He mockingly questioned, “We are fighting against the entire bloc of NATO and we keep moving… and we are a paper tiger; what NATO itself is? A paper tiger? Go and deal with this paper tiger then.” His remarks were laced with challenge and sarcasm, signalling his readiness to continue resisting Western pressure.

Despite his strong words for Washington, Putin praised Donald Trump’s peace efforts, referring to their August summit in Alaska as “productive”. He said he felt “comfortable” engaging with Trump and appreciated his attempts to explore solutions to the Ukraine conflict. He noted, “It was good that we made an attempt to search for and find possible ways to settle the Ukrainian crisis.”

In an unexpected gesture of diplomacy, Putin reaffirmed his willingness to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty for one more year beyond its scheduled February expiry. Signed in 2010, the treaty limits each side to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers. However, he hinted that Russia would walk away if the US showed disinterest, remarking, “If they don’t need it, we don’t need it either. We feel confident about our nuclear shield.” His statement suggested that Moscow is open to restraint but equally ready to abandon arms control if provoked.

Turning his attention to global maritime disputes, Putin issued a sharp warning to Western countries against intercepting or seizing Russian oil tankers. Referring to a recent incident near France’s Atlantic coast, where a tanker was detained, Putin accused French President Emmanuel Macron of engaging in political theatrics to distract from domestic unrest. He declared, “It’s piracy, and how do you deal with pirates? You destroy them,” drawing a controversial analogy and comparing Macron to Napoleon in a mocking tone.

Addressing recent allegations of Russian drones entering European airspace, Putin dismissed the claims as exaggerated propaganda designed to justify increased defence budgets in NATO countries. He scoffed at reports from Denmark, Germany and Poland, stating that Europe was using minor incidents to fuel fear of Russian aggression. He added a subtle warning, “We are carefully watching the growing militarisation of Europe. Is all of this just words or is it time for us to take countermeasures? No one should have doubt that Russia’s countermeasures will not take a long time to come.”

The developments underscore the delicate state of Moscow Washington relations, as military escalation, nuclear diplomacy and geopolitical threats converge simultaneously. While Putin’s praise of Trump suggests a strategic outreach, his warnings over missiles, oil routes and NATO activities indicate that Russia is prepared to strike back if its red lines are crossed.

With Ukraine conflict fatigue rising in Europe and US elections approaching, Putin’s statements appear calculated to influence American political debate, especially concerning future military aid to Kyiv. His contrasting approach — aggressive towards current US administration yet cordial towards Trump — clearly signals Moscow’s preferred interlocutor on the world stage.

As tensions over weapons supplies and maritime control intensify, the global community will closely watch whether diplomacy or deterrence takes precedence in shaping future Russia US relations.

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