Why it matters:
Russia opposes NATO expansion to the east, and this was the main reason for the Ukrainian war. The deployment of Tomahawk missiles in Ukraine, in the Kremlin's view, is a way of supporting NATO's expansion to the east.
What they're saying:
Lavrov also revealed that Moscow has formally asked Washington to clarify reports suggesting U.S. intelligence was used to assist Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
In a separate statement, Lavrov brushed aside recent comments by President Donald Trump regarding Tomahawk missiles, saying they do not address proposals previously discussed during talks in Alaska.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has also echoed Lavrov’s concerns, accusing the EU of “deliberately prolonging conflicts” by supporting the transfer of high-precision weapons to Ukraine. She said the EU’s stance reflects a lack of political will for peace and warned of “inevitable consequences.”
Zakharova emphasized that Russia rejects any form of blackmail or intimidation, stating: “Attempts to use the threat of terror or speak to our country from a position of strength are unacceptable.” She also claimed Ukraine is preparing “terrorist attacks” with the expectation of receiving Tomahawk missiles.
The big picture:
The statements from Lavrov and Zakharova signal Russia’s hardening stance against Western arms transfers to Ukraine. As diplomatic channels strain and battlefield risks grow, the rhetoric underscores the deepening divide between Moscow and its Western counterparts.
State of play:
A U.S. official told Al Jazeera that the Trump administration has not finalized a decision on providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles.
Go deeper:
Russia Sounds Alarm as Ukraine Eyes Tomahawks
Hossein Amiri - Mojtaba Darabi
