MOSCOW — Tensions between Moscow and Washington have intensified once again, less than two months after U.S. President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a high-profile summit in Alaska.
With Russian forces continuing their advance in Ukraine, reports of Russian drones entering NATO airspace, and Washington now discussing possible direct involvement in long-range strikes, hopes for peace appear more distant than ever.
President Trump recently expressed disappointment in Putin for failing to end the conflict, labeling Russia a “paper tiger” for its inability to quickly overpower Ukraine. In response, Putin questioned NATO’s own strength, suggesting that the alliance might be the real “paper tiger” for failing to halt Russia’s progress.
Adding to the tension, U.S. Vice President JD Vance revealed that Washington is evaluating a Ukrainian request for long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of reaching targets deep inside Russia — including Moscow. However, no final decision has been made.
In a statement aired on Russian state television, Putin cautioned that such a move would cause irreparable harm to U.S.-Russia relations.
“This will lead to the destruction of our relations, or at least the positive trends that have emerged recently,” Putin warned.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the United States is already providing Ukraine with intelligence on potential energy infrastructure targets inside Russia. Washington is reportedly assessing whether to send Kyiv missiles that could be used for such strikes.
However, several U.S. officials told Reuters that the Trump administration’s plan to send Tomahawk missiles may face logistical hurdles, as most of the current inventory is already allocated for the U.S. Navy and other defense needs.
With tensions escalating and diplomatic progress stalling, analysts warn that the risk of direct confrontation between the world’s two largest nuclear powers is inching dangerously close.
