Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide recently condemned Ukraine's actions in the ongoing conflict, labeling them as "terrorist methods." During a detailed phone conversation between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, the Russian side accused Kyiv of deliberately targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, which escalates tensions on the battlefield. This condemnation underscores the grim nature of the war that has entered its fourth year.

At the same time, Putin issued a strong warning regarding the possible supply of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States to Ukraine. According to Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov, the Russian leader emphasized that these missiles would not alter the battlefield's dynamics but would seriously damage the already fragile diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington. Moreover, Putin warned that delivering Tomahawks to Ukraine could undermine prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and lead to an escalation far beyond the current state of hostilities.

The dialogue between Putin and Trump was described as frank and substantive, spanning two and a half hours, with both leaders discussing not only the war but also potential avenues for peace and enhanced economic cooperation between their nations. Trump reportedly highlighted that resolving the war in Ukraine could unlock significant economic opportunities for the United States and Russia alike. Preparations for a possible future summit were also mentioned, with Budapest, Hungary, as a suggested meeting venue.

Ukraine, on its part, has expressed a strong interest in acquiring Tomahawk missiles to conduct long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory—targeting energy and military installations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that these powerful weapons could be instrumental in shifting the balance against Russian forces and bringing the hostilities to a close. However, Russia views this request as a dangerous escalation, with Kremlin officials openly voicing "extreme concern" over the potential impact of such missile deliveries.

The context here is complex: while Tomahawk missiles are a tactical tool with significant range and precision, their introduction into the Ukraine conflict carries heavy geopolitical risks. Moscow's warning highlights the dangers of escalating military support becoming a catalyst for deeper international friction, even as Kyiv seeks stronger means to defend its sovereignty. This tension between military realpolitik and diplomatic caution remains central to the ongoing crisis.