Russia warns it can easily intercept US Tomahawk missiles in Ukraine
3 Min Read
Russia warns that any US move to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine would mark a serious escalation, with senior officials vowing an "asymmetrical" response.
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In this image provided by the US Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) fires a Tomahawk land attack missile on April 14, 2018. (AP)
Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, warned on Wednesday that any US decision to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine would trigger a forceful Russian response, saying Moscow is fully prepared to neutralize such weapons should they appear in the conflict zone.
"Our response will be harsh, ambiguous, calibrated, and asymmetrical. We will find ways to hurt those who cause us trouble," Kartapolov told RIA Novosti, adding that a limited number of Tomahawks would not affect the situation on the battlefield.
He said Russia's military already has extensive experience intercepting Tomahawk missiles in Syria and understands "how they fly" and "how to shoot them down."
"There is nothing new," he added, warning that any attempt to install launch facilities on Ukrainian territory would be "immediately hit by anything from Geran to Kinzhal."
Kartapolov explained that launching such missiles would require fixed installations similar to US missile-defense bases in Poland and Romania, making them easy targets.
"As soon as they start digging somewhere, it will immediately be hit," he said.
Diplomatic alarm over 'qualitative change'
Echoing Kartapolov's stance, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov described the possible delivery of Tomahawks as a "serious escalatory step" that would mark a "qualitative change in the situation."
"The Russian President said this is a very serious escalatory step. Indeed, the emergence of such systems, if it comes to that, will mean a significant, even qualitative, change in the situation. But this will not affect our determination to achieve our goals," Ryabkov told reporters.
He cautioned that deploying Tomahawks in Ukraine would almost certainly involve direct US personnel participation, urging Washington to act responsibly.
"I hope that those pushing Washington to make this decision are well aware of the depth and gravity of the consequences. We, of course, call on American leadership and the American military to approach this entire situation soberly, sensibly, and responsibly."
Ryabkov added that the limited diplomatic momentum achieved at the Putin-Trump Alaska summit had been "largely exhausted by the efforts of the Europeans," who Moscow accuses of obstructing dialogue.
Strategic context, outlook
The warnings come amid stalled peace talks and renewed US deliberations over expanding Ukraine's strike range. Despite President Donald Trump's earlier pledge to mediate between Moscow and Kiev, his administration's evolving posture, now more tolerant of long-range attacks, has deepened mistrust.
The Alaska summit in August ended without progress toward a ceasefire, as the sides remained divided over security guarantees and territorial recognition. Analysts say that sending Tomahawks would signal a decisive shift toward direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed that Moscow maintains full strategic initiative in Ukraine, crediting the country’s armed forces and defense industry for sustaining battlefield momentum despite Western sanctions.
Read more: Putin affirms Russia maintains full strategic initiative in Ukraine
