Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States that sending Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine would seriously damage Moscow-Washington relations. However, he insisted the missiles would not change the situation on the battlefield.

Speaking at a foreign policy forum in Sochi, Putin said, “It will certainly not change the balance of force on the battlefield,” adding that Russian air defenses would quickly adapt. He called such a supply a “qualitatively new stage of escalation, including in relations between Russia and the U.S.”

Putin highlighted that the Russian military continues to make steady gains against Ukraine. Responding to Trump’s remark that Russia is a “paper tiger,” Putin countered, “We are fighting against the entire bloc of NATO and we keep moving, keep advancing… A paper tiger? Go and deal with this paper tiger then.”

U.S. perspective and economy

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russia’s economy and international reputation have suffered due to the war. The official noted that Putin repeatedly rejected peace proposals that could have benefited Russia.

Alaska summit and nuclear pact

Despite tensions, Putin praised US President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine. He described their August summit in Alaska as “productive.”

Putin also reiterated his offer to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty by one year after it expires in February. The treaty limits each country to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers.

“If they don’t need it, we don’t need it either,” Putin said, adding, “we feel confident about our nuclear shield.”

Warning on maritime “piracy”

Putin sent a stern warning to Western nations against seizing Russian oil shipments. He described such actions as piracy that could trigger a forceful response and destabilize the global oil market.

Regarding the detention of a Russian-linked oil tanker near France, he said it was an attempt to distract from domestic issues in France. “It’s piracy, and how do you deal with pirates? You destroy them,” he said.

Mocking drone claims and NATO tensions

Putin dismissed Western allegations of Russian involvement in drone flights over Denmark as part of NATO efforts “to inflame tensions to boost defense spending.”

He highlighted the rising militarization of Europe and promised that Russia’s countermeasures would come quickly. “We are carefully watching the growing militarization of Europe… No one should have doubt that Russia’s countermeasures will not take a long time to come,” he said.

Comments on Charlie Kirk and Michael Gloss

Putin called Charlie Kirk’s assassination a “heinous crime” reflecting a “deep split” in American society. He praised Kirk as a hero who promoted values Russia shares.

He also praised Michael Gloss, the son of a former CIA deputy chief, who joined the Russian military and died in Ukraine in 2024. Putin said he awarded Gloss a medal, which he gave to Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. He likened Gloss to Kirk, saying, “He gave his life while defending those values as a Russian soldier, and Kirk gave his life while fighting for the same values in the United States.”

The CIA responded that Gloss’s passing was “a private family matter — and not a national security issue.”

Light moment during the forum

During the four-hour live event, Putin, a former KGB officer, accidentally referred to himself as “the CIA director” while describing a meeting with President George W. Bush. He quickly joked, “The future director,” prompting laughter from the audience.