Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev issued a stark warning Monday, saying U.S. plans to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine could “end badly for everyone especially Trump.” His remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that he may provide Kyiv with long-range Tomahawks if Vladimir Putin refuses to end the war in Ukraine.
Medvedev, now a hardline voice in the Kremlin, emphasized that Moscow cannot distinguish between nuclear and conventional Tomahawks once launched, suggesting any use could be perceived as a strategic nuclear threat. The comments echo Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s earlier warnings and raise fears of escalation between nuclear powers.
Why It Matters
The exchange marks another sharp escalation in the nuclear rhetoric surrounding the Ukraine war and underscores how the conflict has entangled U.S. domestic politics. Trump’s statements, coming as he reasserts his influence on U.S. foreign policy, blur the lines between campaign positioning and active diplomacy.
The delivery of Tomahawks with a 2,500 km range, capable of striking deep inside Russia would represent a dramatic shift in U.S. military support for Ukraine and could severely damage Washington-Moscow ties. The Kremlin’s warning hints that even a symbolic deployment could trigger retaliatory steps or miscalculation.
The immediate players are the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, but NATO allies and European governments are also watching closely. Trump’s administration faces the challenge of supporting Ukraine without provoking direct confrontation with Moscow. For Russia, the issue is existential any perceived nuclear threat could justify stronger deterrence measures. Ukraine, meanwhile, insists it would use the missiles only for military targets.
What’s Next
Analysts warn that Medvedev’s remarks signal a new phase of nuclear brinkmanship, designed to test Trump’s resolve and Western unity. Putin has said that providing Tomahawks would “destroy relations” with Washington. The coming weeks may determine whether the U.S. follows through on Trump’s threat or steps back under mounting global pressure to avoid triggering a larger confrontation.
With information from Reuters.
