A Russian lawmaker has warned that Moscow could bomb NATO member Poland if the United States provides Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
During a discussion on the state TV program 60 Minutes, Russian MP Alexey Zhuravlyov warned that Moscow would be ready for the potential missiles delivery, and said it could target Poland’s Rzeszów military hub in response.
Newsweek contacted the Polish foreign ministry for comment by email.
Why It Matters
Vice President J.D. Vance said in September that the Trump administration was discussing Kyiv’s request for Tomahawk missiles—a prospect that has alarmed the Kremlin and its propagandists. They are worried about Kyiv’s ability to strike deep inside Russia, putting many more of its military and energy sites within range.
Tomahawks have a range of up to 1,600-miles, which surpasses other Western missiles Ukraine uses such as Storm Shadows or ATACMS, and so could be a game change in its fight.
What To Know
Speaking on 60 Minutes, Zhuravlyov, the chairman of the Rodina political party and first deputy chairman of the parliamentary defense committee, said that the U.S. would deliver Tomahawks to Ukraine for strikes on Russian strikes.
He added that Russia needed to show “that we are ready” for an escalation, and that while Moscow was not in conflict with Poland, it would be ready to strike its Rzeszów military hub.
The show’s host, Olga Skabeyeva, referred to a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine’s use of the missiles would lead to a new level of escalation in the war and crush relations between Moscow and Washington D.C.
She also said that the U.S. providing Tomahawks could pressure Germany to supply Kyiv with Taurus missiles, which would be a “dangerous escalation.”
She also mentioned Newsweek, which previously published a map from the Institute for the Study of War revealing the Russian sites that would be within range of Tomahawk missiles. She described the prospect as “alarming to put it politely.”
However, many observers have expressed doubt over whether the U.S. would provide the missiles to Ukraine.
Yuriy Boyechko, the founder of Hope for Ukraine, which provides support to communities on the frontline, told Newsweek that the prospect of the U.S. supplying Ukraine with the missiles was “nearly impossible” given that their traditional launch platforms are sea-based and primarily deployed from U.S. Navy ships and submarines.
He added that while the U.S. also has ground‑based launchers for Tomahawk missiles, these systems are scarce and Washington is unlikely to sell them to European NATO members.
What People Are Saying
Journalist Julia Davis wrote on X: “Meanwhile in Russia: First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee Alexey Zhuravlyov argued that the best way Russia can retaliate against America for sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be to bomb Rzeszów airbase in Poland.”
Boyechko said: “Ukraine has a very small navy, and the chances of it acquiring a Tomahawk‑capable surface ship or submarine are nearly zero.”
He added that the Trump administration was simply making “headline-grabbing statements which will not materialize.”
Zhuravlyov told 60 Minutes: “We aren’t at war with the Polish people but we’re at war against the Rzeszów base.”
What Happens Next
Trump has not made a final decision on Tomahawks and questions remain over how they would be supplied if the plan was green lit, and whether Moscow would step up its rhetoric over escalation and prompt a Russian response.
Vuk Vuksanovic, associate at LSE IDEAS, the London School of Economics think tank, told Newsweek previously that their transfer was unlikely as the “U.S. has a limited number to share around” and that there are issues around authorization.