US Tomahawks for Ukraine could ‘escalate’ conflict

AFP | Sochi

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday warned that supplying US Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would lead to a “whole new level of escalation”, including in relations between Moscow and Washington.

“This would mean a whole new level of escalation, including in relations between Russia and the United States,” Putin said in response to a question on potential supplies of the long-range missiles to Ukraine via European allies.

Yesterday, Putin also promised a “significant” response to “Europe’s militarisation”, as he addressed a foreign policy forum in southern Russia.

Relations between Russia and the EU spiralled downward after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine, leading the bloc to bolster its defence.

Militarisation

“We are closely monitoring the rising militarisation of Europe,” he told the forum’s audience, adding: “Retaliatory measures by Russia will not take long. The response to such threats will be very significant.”

“Russia will never show weakness or indecisiveness,” Putin added.

Drone incidents in Denmark and aerial incursions from Moscow in Estonia and Poland have heightened fears that Russia’s war against Ukraine could spill over Europe’s borders.

Putin accused Europe of stoking “hysteria” to excuse rising military spending and said Russia did not pose a threat.

“Just calm down,” the Russian President said.