Moscow – President Vladimir Putin has clearly articulated his logic of escalation, explaining exactly why the potential supply of U.S. Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine constitutes a “red line” for the Kremlin. His argument centers on the necessity of direct foreign military involvement.
According to Putin, the advanced nature of the Tomahawk system makes it “impossible” for Ukrainian forces to operate it independently. He claims it would require the active participation of U.S. military personnel, effectively making the U.S. a co-combatant in Russia’s eyes.
This direct involvement, he warned during a military briefing, would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation.” The ultimate consequence would be the “destruction” of the US-Russia relationship, a severe outcome he laid at Washington’s feet.
This warning was made from a position of perceived strength, as Putin simultaneously announced the capture of almost 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year. This, he asserts, has given Moscow the “complete strategic initiative.”
While the world considers Putin’s red line, Ukraine has drawn attention to Russia’s own alleged transgressions. President Zelenskyy’s claim that Russia is using oil tankers for spying and sabotage adds another layer of complexity and risk to the conflict.