Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko strongly criticized the United States’ intention to deliver long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, cautioning that such action could dangerously escalate global tensions towards a nuclear conflict.
The criticism from Vladimir Putin’s close ally came after President Trump threatened to provide Ukraine with the Tomahawk missiles as a means to pressure Russia to halt the ongoing violence. Lukashenko emphasized in Minsk that deploying Tomahawks would not resolve the situation but rather elevate it to the brink of 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 military operations on its territory, housed Russian tactical nuclear weapons since early 2023, and participated in joint military drills with Russia in September 2025.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Trump for increased military aid during a productive phone conversation, seeking stronger air defense capabilities and long-range weaponry to maintain pressure on Russia. Trump is scheduled to meet with Zelensky at the White House to discuss strategic cooperation against Russia.
The Tomahawk missile, known for its potency since its use in the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq, boasts a range of 1,550 miles and carries a substantial warhead, enabling Ukraine to strike deep within Russian territory.
While acknowledging the potential for increased aggression by deploying the missiles, Trump expressed concerns about triggering further escalation in the conflict. Zelensky reassured that Ukraine would only target Russian military sites, emphasizing the country’s commitment to avoiding civilian casualties.
Zelensky also credited Trump’s mediation efforts in Gaza for fostering hope that a peaceful resolution could still be achieved between Russia and Ukraine, despite the escalating tensions.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed grave concerns over the potential consequences of launching long-range missiles, highlighting the growing tensions from all sides and the risks of nuclear conflict. Former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev warned of dire outcomes if the missiles were delivered, cautioning that it could lead to disastrous repercussions.
State TV commentator Vladimir Solovyov warned that sending Tomahawks to Ukraine could trigger a crisis reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis, stressing the gravity of the situation and the need for careful consideration to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
Meanwhile, Russia intensified attacks on Ukrainian power infrastructure ahead of winter, launching strikes in various regions that resulted in casualties, as reported by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.