Putin warns of escalation if we supply Tomahawk rockets in Ukraine

Russian Vladimir Putin He warned that the potential supply of long -distance missiles to Ukraine will note a “brand new stage of escalation” between Washington and Moscow.

Speaking on Thursday at a forum in Russia, a Black Sea resort in Sochi, Putin admitted that the delivery of “powerful” American missiles Tomahawk Cruise to Kiev is a threat to Russia, but will not change the situation on the battlefield.

“Can Tomahawks harm us?

“The use of Tomahawks without the direct involvement of US military officials is impossible. This would mark a qualitatively new, completely new stage of escalation between Russia and the United States,” he added.

His comments come shortly after reporting that the United States will provide Ukraine intelligence at the goals of long -distance energy infrastructure deep in Russia, a move that would be a significant change in the support of the White House for Kiev.

Thehe Wall Street Journal and ReutersReferring to unnamed US officials, they both announced on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s administration approved the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine, while weighing whether to send Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kiev.

CNBC contacted the White House for comment.

Delivery of Tomahauk cruise missiles which are well -known To have a range of at least 1500 miles (approximately 2400 kilometers) would significantly increase Ukraine’s ability to hit Russian goals.

Asked about Russia’s recent characteristic of Trump as “Paper tiger“Putin said Russian troops” confidently “held the strategic initiative and won in Ukraine.

“But if we fight the whole NATO block and move forward, we feel confident and it’s a paper tiger. What then to NATO itself? What is it?” said Putin.

A paper tiger is a term that usually refers to a force that looks powerful but ineffective.

The US President, in a great rhetorical change, also said last month that Ukraine Can it return territory captured by RussiaS

In a social media publication, published on September 23, Trump said his opinion came after “the exploration and understanding of the” military and economic situation of Russia and Ukraine, noting what he described as the “economic problem” that the conflict causes in Moscow.

Earlier, the US president suggested that Ukraine would have to be open to giving up some of its territory in peace talks that Washington has taken steps to the broker since the beginning of Trump’s second term.

Russia is meanwhile Exile to raise taxes For business and consumers, as the government is looking for ways to support its economy aimed at war after more than three and a half years of conflict.

European Union’s political leaders on Wednesday supported plans for the so -called Drone wall At the eastern flank in the region, it seeks to strengthen its defense powers and repel Russia after a series of air -hauling in recent weeks.

Protective giants have welcomes the conceptAlthough the European Commission, the EU executive hand, has not yet created a plan on how to fund and manage the project.

Putin on Thursday said the Kremlin “carefully observed” what he described as “Europe’s growing militarization. It’s just an empty conversation, or is it time to take counteraction?”

Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Romania – EU and NATO members in the northern and eastern flank in Europe near Russia – all recently have reported The occurrence of airspace that is said to include Russian jets or drones.

In the meantime, Germany, Denmark and Norway reported Unidentified drones in their airspace in recent days, with incidents leading to a significant interruption of airports and air traffic.

Previously, Russia denied standing behind drone provocations against its European neighbors, describing them as “unjustified accusationsS “

– Holly ellyatt of CNBC has contributed to this report.