Supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles would escalate tensions and require direct U.S. military involvement, Russia's Vladimir Putin stated. Putin vowed swift retaliation if the U.S. proceeds, dismissing Tomahawks as ineffective in altering battlefield dynamics. Putin mocked NATO's strength, pointing to Russia’s advances despite facing NATO-backed Ukrainian forces. Russia boasts superior nuclear modernization but warned it will not extend New START if the U.S. refuses.