Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko strongly criticized the US’s intention to supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, cautioning that such a move could lead the world to the brink of nuclear conflict. This statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s close associate follows US President Trump’s threat to arm Ukraine with the missiles to pressure Russia into ending the ongoing violence. Lukashenko emphasized that deploying Tomahawks would not resolve the crisis but rather escalate it towards nuclear warfare, as reported by Belarusian state media Belta.
Belarus has faced significant sanctions from Western nations for its support of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The country has permitted Russian troops to operate within its borders, stored Russian tactical nuclear weapons since early 2023, and conducted joint military drills with Russia in September 2025.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Trump for increased military assistance during a productive phone conversation over the weekend. Russia has previously warned that the provision of Tomahawk missiles by the US could be interpreted as direct involvement in the conflict.
Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky at the White House on Friday, where discussions are expected to focus on air defense capabilities and long-range military options to maintain pressure on Russia, according to Zelensky.
The Tomahawk missile, initially used in the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq, boasts a range of 1,550 miles and carries a payload of nearly half a ton. Its deployment would significantly enhance Ukraine’s offensive capabilities, enabling strikes deep inside Russian territory. Trump acknowledged that sending the missiles would constitute a new level of aggression, expressing concerns over the potential escalation of the conflict.
Zelensky reassured that Ukraine would only target Russian military installations with the missiles, emphasizing the country’s commitment to avoiding civilian casualties. He credited Trump’s involvement in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza for instilling confidence that a peaceful resolution could still be achieved between Ukraine and Russia.
In response to Trump’s remarks, the Kremlin raised alarm about the escalating tensions, emphasizing the potential consequences of launching long-range missiles. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev cautioned against the delivery of the missiles, warning of dire outcomes for all parties involved.
State TV host Vladimir Solovyov suggested that sending Tomahawks to Ukraine could spark a crisis akin to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. He underscored the gravity of such a decision, highlighting the potential catastrophic ramifications for global stability.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian power infrastructure ahead of winter, with recent strikes reported in regions such as Odesa and Chernihiv, resulting in casualties.
