Putin Claims Possible U.S. Missile Shipment to Ukraine Is a Distraction

Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed reports that the United States may supply Tomahawk and Barracuda missiles to Ukraine, calling the move a political distraction aimed at diverting attention from internal U.S. issues.

Speaking during a plenary session at the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday, Putin responded to questions regarding potential Western arms deliveries, saying: “This is also a way to somehow distract attention from domestic problems.” He emphasized that such developments do not appear to pose a significant concern for Russia.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also commented on the issue, stating that Moscow would respond “appropriately” if the U.S. proceeds with supplying long-range weapons to Kyiv.

Reports emerged last week that Washington was considering the delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles to NATO allies, with a possible secondary transfer to Ukraine. U.S. Senator JD Vance highlighted this possibility during a public appearance on September 28.

Adding to the development, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that former U.S. President Donald Trump had signed an order aimed at ramping up support for Ukraine. The order reportedly includes provisions for intelligence-sharing to assist Kyiv in launching long-range strikes on strategic infrastructure targets deep within Russian territory. If confirmed, this would mark the first such move since 2022.

In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian humanitarian and Kremlin critic Yuriy Boyechko condemned what he described as the West’s hesitation in confronting Moscow’s aggression.

Following a recent missile strike on the city of Dnipro, Boyechko, CEO of Hope for Ukraine, said: “As Western leaders struggle to craft an effective response to Putin’s atrocities, civilians in Ukrainian towns and villages are being maimed and killed daily.”

He called on NATO to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine, arguing that the alliance possesses the capability to intercept Russian drones and missiles.

“Putin is going all out, attacking Ukrainian cities day and night,” Boyechko stated. “It’s time for NATO leaders to stop trembling before a mass murderer and war criminal and to close the skies over Ukraine.”

He further warned that failure to act decisively could lead to the conflict expanding into Central and Western Europe, as Putin could interpret NATO’s reluctance as weakness.