By John Q. Hosedrinker The Kremlin responded to reports of potential U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile transfers to Ukraine, stating Russia would react “appropriately” if such a move occurred. This follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s reported request for the long-range missiles, which have been a part of Ukraine’s strategic objectives for years. The Tomahawks, capable of striking targets up to 1,600 kilometers away, would allow Ukraine to target command centers and supply hubs, potentially including the Kremlin. With Ukraine currently utilizing shorter-range missiles and long-range drone strikes, the deployment of Tomahawks could drastically shift the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
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Russia warns of ‘appropriate’ response if the US sends Tomahawks to Ukraine, and frankly, it’s hard not to roll your eyes. We’ve heard this song and dance so many times, it’s become predictable. Each time a new piece of military equipment is considered, or provided, the threats escalate. Tanks, artillery, fighter jets – each one has been met with the same bluster. It’s like a broken record, and the needle is stuck on the same groove: “We will respond.” The implied “response” feels more like a desperate attempt to maintain an image of strength than a genuine threat.
The whole situation feels like watching a slow-motion train wreck. Russia has, for a long time, laid out its “red lines,” and the world has largely ignored them. What have been the consequences? Virtually none. The “appropriate response,” in reality, should be a complete withdrawal from Ukraine. That’s the only appropriate and decent response, but somehow, that’s not the option on the table.
The constant threats are becoming increasingly tiresome. Will they escalate the attacks on civilians, adding to the already horrific list of atrocities? It’s all speculation, but the history of this conflict doesn’t inspire confidence. Russia’s current position is a self-inflicted wound, a significant decline from the world stage it once occupied. The economic consequences alone are staggering, with the loss of major markets and the squandering of billions that could have been used to improve its own infrastructure and economy.
The loss of life is a tragedy, with countless casualties and a mass exodus of people fleeing the conflict. It has traded global standing for a club of questionable allies. This has likely sowed the seeds for a significant shakeup of Putinism. Honestly, the world is left asking, “What’s the point?” The only thing left is the use of nukes. The reality of nuclear usage is very unlikely, even China would not tolerate such actions.
The Tomahawks, if provided, would be a game-changer. The “appropriate response” from Russia would be to blow up. The right response for Russia would be to retreat. The fact is that Russia has already exhausted most of its military capabilities. Short of nuclear weapons, it’s hard to imagine what more they could “respond” with. They are simply out of options, and the threats feel increasingly hollow.
There’s a sense that Russia has already played all its cards. They’ve issued threats at every turn, yet they’ve failed to achieve their objectives. Every time a new form of support is offered to Ukraine, we hear the same warnings. There are so many red lines Putin has drawn that they’re basically making a red carpet. The situation reeks of desperation.
The idea that Russia even has the capability to launch a nuclear weapon is being questioned. There haven’t been any active tests since October 1990. They don’t have active staff or scientists who have ever launched or participated in a test. Their nuclear arsenal is likely old, potentially decayed, and now very dangerous to even launch. They simply lack the experience and the means to follow through on their threats.
All these threats, and what has been the result? More bloodshed, more destruction, and ultimately, a worsening of Russia’s international standing. The most appropriate response is a full and immediate withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. Instead, we are left with endless posturing and empty threats. The real “appropriate response” would be for Russia to end this war and dismantle its nuclear arsenal.