Moscow Issues Retaliation Warning Over Possible US Tomahawk Missile Transfer to Ukraine

Moscow Issues Retaliation Warning Over Possible US Tomahawk Missile Transfer to Ukraine.

Russia has issued a stark warning to the United States, promising to retaliate if Washington decides to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles. The threat was delivered by Russia’s top diplomat at the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, underscoring the escalating tensions over Western military aid as the war in Ukraine continues.

The warning came on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, during a press conference marking the beginning of Russia’s presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of October. When questioned about the potential transfer of the long-range missiles, Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, stated unequivocally, “I am confident that, if necessary, we will find a response to this step if it happens.”

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This firm declaration highlights Moscow’s increasing alarm over the prospect of Ukraine acquiring advanced weaponry capable of striking targets far behind the front lines.

A Contradictory Stance from Moscow

The threat of retaliation appears to contrast with other recent statements from Russian officials seeking to downplay the impact of such Western arms. Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on the same subject, asserting that the deployment of Tomahawk missiles “will not change the course of the conflict.”

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This dual-track messaging has been a consistent feature of Moscow’s diplomatic approach. While publicly dismissing the strategic value of Western weapons, the Kremlin simultaneously frames their provision as a severe provocation that crosses its “red lines” and justifies a retaliatory response, the nature of which is typically left unspecified.

Tomahawks: A Potential Game-Changer in the Arsenal

The United States has not formally announced any decision to provide Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. However, speculation has been intensifying amid ongoing discussions in Washington and European capitals about enhancing Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian-occupied territory, including military logistics hubs and command centers in Crimea.

Tomahawk missiles represent a significant capability upgrade. Known for their precision and a range that can exceed 1,000 miles, they would provide Ukraine with a strike capability beyond that of the ATACMS missiles it has already received. For Moscow, the potential introduction of such a weapon system is viewed as a direct threat to its operational security and strategic assets.

As Russia assumes the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council—a role that has drawn criticism from Ukraine and its allies—Nebenzya’s warning signals that Moscow will use its diplomatic platform to aggressively challenge Western support for Kyiv. The situation leaves the international community watching closely to see if the U.S. will proceed with the transfer and what form Russia’s promised “response” might take.