Tomahawk missiles would mark new level of escalation in war, MP says

Ukrainian MP and member of the parliamentary defense committee Yehor Cherniev said this on Espreso.

“I will comment on what I can. You understand that arms transfers are very sensitive information, with many issues worked out in advance. Tomahawks are not just another type of weapon that could be provided to us. This is an entirely new level of escalation in the war. These are long-range, medium-range missiles with a range of about 2,500 kilometers. And these are cruise missiles,” he said.

The MP stressed that these are not drones carrying 20–100 kilograms of explosives.

“These carry several hundred kilograms of explosives, depending on the category of Tomahawk. Right now, this is more a signal to the Russian Federation that, if necessary, such missiles will appear in Ukraine and Trump is not afraid to provide them. And Ukraine certainly won’t hesitate to use them against Russian territory, up to the Urals and possibly beyond,” Cherniev noted.

In his view, the discussion is more about signals — about what happens if diplomacy fails and Putin does not realize that escalation is a two-way game.

“Not only can he fly into NATO territory with his Shaheds, but the United States can strike deep into Russia with missiles operated by us, destroying their ability to wage war,” the MP concluded.

• Earlier, U.S. envoy to Ukraine General Keith Kellogg said President Donald Trump had authorized strikes on Russian territory with long-range weapons. Later, Kellogg clarified that no final decision on providing Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine had yet been made, stressing that the matter is under review by Trump.