Putin 'panicking' at Trump threat that risks 'crippling' Russia's war machine

Russia's fierce opposition to the possible supply of US Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine exposes a core military vulnerability, as the weapons could obliterate Moscow's safe havens deep inside its borders, a leading campaigner has claimed. With US President Donald Trump signalling he is "seriously considering" the transfer as leverage against President Vladimir Putin, the move would mark a significant escalation in the three-year conflict.

Mr Boyechko, founder of the US-based Hope for Ukraine, said: "The intense Russian opposition to the potential transfer of US Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine stems from a fundamental military fear: the destruction of their strategic sanctuary." President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, outlined the idea as part of negotiation tactics. He said: "I might say 'Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I'm going to send them Tomahawks.'"

Mr Boyechko elaborated on the threat posed by the missiles. He said: "Tomahawks, with their precision and immense range of up to 2,500 kilometres, would allow Ukraine to accurately strike and destroy high-value Russian military targets - such as strategic airbases (like Engels-2), command centres, major logistics hubs, and defence industrial factories (like drone production sites) - that are currently considered safe deep within Russian territory.

"This capability would cripple Russia's ability to sustain its forces on the front line and fundamentally shift the balance of the conflict."

The backdrop traces to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, now in its 1,322nd day, where Kyiv has used Western-supplied shorter-range systems like ATACMS missiles (300km range) and Storm Shadow/SCALP weapons (250km) for strikes on occupied territories such as Crimea. These have damaged Russian assets, including Black Sea Fleet ships, but cannot reach inland industrial heartlands.

Tomahawks, developed in the US during the 1970s and upgraded in Block V variants for stealthy, low-altitude flight with conventional warheads up to 450kg, could change that - targeting sites like drone factories in Tatarstan or ammunition depots.

President Trump's consideration, first mentioned on October 6 when he said he had "sort of made a decision" pending target reviews, follows a direct request from President Volodymyr Zelensky in September.

It aligns with Mr Trump's broader strategy, including planned calls to Putin and threats of sanctions, as echoed by Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, the US President's envoy, who said: "There are no such things as sanctuaries in war."

NATO allies such as the United Kingdom support deeper strikes, while Germany hesitates on its Taurus missiles. US concerns include depleting naval stocks needed for Indo-Pacific deterrence.

Moscow has issued stark warnings amid its Donbas advances, despite heavy losses of 5,000-7,000 troops weekly. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed "extreme concern" over advanced arms, while Putin cautioned on October 5 of a "completely new stage of escalation" that could destroy US-Russia ties. Former President Dmitry Medvedev hinted at nuclear repercussions, saying it "could end badly for everyone."

Mr Boyechko dismissed much of this as posturing blended with real dread.

He said: "The Kremlin's public panic, characterised by warnings of 'extreme concern' and veiled nuclear escalation from officials, is a mix of genuine military anxiety and calculated political bluff."

Russia's strategy hinges on attrition, supported by secure rear production of over 100 drones daily and North Korean munitions. Ukrainian drone attacks, like the recent hit on the Sverdlov plant, preview disruptions Tomahawks could amplify-straining S-400 defences vulnerable to cruise threats, as seen in Red Sea incidents involving similar tactics.

Mr Boyechko continued: "By supplying this specific long-range weapon, the US would empower Ukraine to force a high-cost fight on Russia's home front, putting immense pressure on President Putin to seek a negotiated settlement.

"For Moscow, the Tomahawk is not just a missile; it is a direct threat to the core infrastructure supporting the war effort and a diplomatic tool that could undermine their long-term strategy of attrition."

As Ramstein-format talks convene today (October 15) amid Russian assaults causing Ukrainian blackouts, Mr Trump's potential green light - tied to ending the stalemate where Kyiv holds 20% of Donbas - could force Moscow's hand.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, posting on X last week, said: "Whatever support we can provide to Ukraine, without restrictions, helps them win the war and push Russia back.

Supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv would send a very strong message to Moscow."