Washington/Moscow – The conflict in Ukraine has entered a new, dangerous phase, marked by the potential introduction of US long-range weapons and renewed Russian warnings about the risk of escalation with the West.
US President Donald Trump said he has "more or less made up his mind" regarding Ukraine's request for Tomahawk cruise missiles. These systems, with a range of more than 2,400 kilometers, would allow Kiev to strike deep into Russia, targeting command centers, supply lines, and crucial military infrastructure.
Trump's Caution and "Decision"
Trump's revelation, which came after a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, represents a significant shift from previous American policy, which had long restricted the use of long-range weapons to avoid "escalating the war." Despite his openness, the US President expressed caution, declaring that he would first "ask some questions" of Kiev about how the missiles would be used, seeking to balance support for Ukraine with fears of a direct conflict with Moscow.
Zelensky's goal is to use the Tomahawks to reduce Russian offensive capabilities by directly striking Russian territory, thus complementing the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone operations, which continue to damage Russian refineries and energy facilities on an almost daily basis.
Moscow's Alarm and the Risk of Escalation
The prospect of the missile supply immediately triggered a harsh reaction from the Kremlin. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that sending Tomahawks would put Europe "on the path to escalation" and that the "risks are very high." Moscow maintains that NATO and the European Union's military planning is now geared toward a direct military confrontation with Russia.
The Kremlin warned that even if the missiles were delivered, they would not be a "magic weapon" capable of changing the course of the war, but hinted that Russia's response would be "appropriate." These warnings add to accusations by Russian intelligence services that Kiev is planning alleged "sensational provocations" in neighboring countries such as Poland, in an attempt to drag NATO into armed conflict with Moscow.
The War Front and the Nuclear Shadow
While diplomacy is shaken by the Tomahawk issue, on the ground the conflict shows no sign of abating. Russia continues massive drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure, while Kiev reports dozens of injuries following an attack on a train station in the Sumy region.
Adding to the tension is the ongoing alarm over the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, where the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported "worrying explosions." With the plant fueled by unstable supplies, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi warned that "luck alone" cannot be relied upon to avert a nuclear catastrophe, casting the shadow of environmental disaster over an already devastating conflict.
The balance of power and the possibility of a negotiated peace now appear more closely linked than ever to Washington's decisions on long-range weapons, a step that, according to analysts, could redefine the geography of the conflict.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved