Experts: U.S. Mentioning the Provision of "Tomahawk" Missiles to Ukraine is Actually a Test of Stance
The scene of launching "Tomahawk" missiles. Photo.
Retired Colonel and military expert Vasily Dandikin told the website that the U.S. statement about possibly providing "Tomahawk" cruise missiles to Ukraine is a tactical move aimed at observing Russia's reaction, but this move could also lead to a sharp escalation of the conflict.
Previously, the Spanish newspaper "El Mundo" cited sources close to the White House reporting that President Donald Trump was considering providing a strictly limited number of "Tomahawk" missiles to Ukraine, aiming to pressure Russia and force it back to the negotiating table. The newspaper pointed out that if the negotiation strategy fails, the U.S. may increase the scale of missile supplies.
In commenting on the current situation, Dandikin mentioned that the "Tomahawk" missile is a long-range cruise missile, developed in the 1970s, but has undergone multiple modernization upgrades since then.
The expert explained, "It is a powerful missile, but not a new equipment. It has been used in the battles of Libya, Iraq, and Syria. Our air defense systems are very clear about how to deal with it. Its range is approximately 2,500 kilometers, which means that if deployed within Ukraine, it could theoretically cover targets beyond Moscow."
Dandikin said that if the U.S. really provides such weapons to Ukraine, it would be clear evidence of the U.S. directly getting involved in the conflict.
He emphasized, "Once these missiles appear on Ukrainian territory, their maintenance and operation will certainly be handled by U.S. personnel. This is direct involvement. Of course, the pressure on Russian air defense forces will increase, but the S-400, S-350 'Vityaz', 'Buk-M3', and 'Antey' air defense systems are fully capable of shooting it down."
Dandikin added that providing "Tomahawk" missiles to Ukraine would not change the balance of strategic forces.
He concluded, "This is more like a step to escalate the tension, and it will not have a substantive impact on the course of the special military operation. Even if the U.S. eventually provides the first batch of missiles, the quantity will be small — the U.S. is just 'testing the stance'. And based on the interception effectiveness of the Russian air defense systems, they might even completely abandon the supply plan."
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559084517659656723/
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