Ukraine Requests US Tomahawk Missiles
Criticized as "an Attempt to Escalate the Conflict"
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia (pictured), reaffirmed on October 23 (local time) that Russia would not yield to the United States’ strengthened sanctions against the country.
According to Russia’s TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies, President Putin met with reporters at the Kremlin that day and commented on the US sanctions against Russia, saying, “This is, of course, an attempt to pressure Russia,” and added, “However, a nation and people with self-respect do not make any decisions under pressure.”
US President Donald Trump has been pressuring Russia to sign a peace agreement to end the war with Ukraine. As Russia did not actively engage in discussions, the US imposed additional sanctions by blocking export routes for major Russian oil companies such as Lukoil and Rosneft.
President Putin also stated, “This will not deliver a major shock to our economic well-being,” and added, “If the volume of oil and petroleum products traded on the global market drops sharply, prices will rise. Prices for oil and petroleum products, including at gas stations, will surge, and the United States will be no exception.”
Toward Ukraine, Putin maintained a hostile stance. He criticized Ukraine’s request to the United States for Tomahawk missiles with a range of 2,500 kilometers capable of striking Moscow, calling it “an attempt to escalate the conflict.”
Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky requested the supply of Tomahawk missiles during a summit with President Trump on October 17, but President Trump reportedly remained noncommittal. In an interview with NBC News, President Zelensky reiterated his desire, stating, “It is difficult to conduct operations with only drones.”
Toward the United States and President Trump, Putin maintained a friendly attitude. He said, “Through his (Trump’s) remarks, I learned that the US President decided to cancel or postpone the meeting. He seems to be talking about postponing the summit,” and added, “Russia always supports dialogue, and negotiations are always better than confrontation, conflict, or war,” leaving the door open for talks.
Meanwhile, European countries continue to support Ukraine and pursue efforts to end the war. On this day, 26 European countries, excluding Hungary, issued a joint statement condemning Russia and raising the level of pressure against the country.
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