Putin warned Trump of 'broken relations' if US hands Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has said that the possible transfer of long-range systems, including Tomahawk missiles, to Ukraine will lead to the destruction of the "outlined positive trend" in relations between Moscow and Washington. He said this in an interview with propagandist Pavel Zarubin for the programme "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" on the Russia-1 channel.

I have already said that this will lead to the destruction of our relations. At least the outlined positive trend," Putin emphasised, adding that further developments do not depend only on him and Russia.

We shall remind you that the USA is considering the possibility of transferring Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. The final decision on this matter should be made by the President of the United States Donald Trump.

The Telegraph notes that the transfer of missiles to Ukraine could change the course of the war. The publication notes that if Ukraine receives the missiles, it will target command centres, ammunition depots and military production sites behind Russia's lines. In theory, strikes on such targets could slow the pace of the offensive, make it difficult to replenish the frontline and disrupt the enemy's command structures.

The Tomahawk is a subsonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or the ground; its range, depending on the model, can reach up to 2,500 kilometres. The missiles fly at low altitude to evade radar, are equipped with onboard sensors to avoid obstacles, and carry warheads of about 450kg capable of destroying fortified targets, including bunkers.