Speaking to the press after the 17th Congress of the Russian Geographical Society, President Vladimir Putin issued a sharp warning to the United States. He said that if American Tomahawk missiles were ever used against Russian territory, Moscow would respond with the utmost severity. Putin described the discussion about possible missile deliveries to Ukraine as a deliberate attempt to provoke further escalation.

He made it clear that any such strike would trigger a powerful and, as he put it, «stunning» response from Russia, urging Washington to think twice before taking such a step.

Commenting on U. S. President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel their planned bilateral meeting, Putin suggested the move likely meant a postponement rather than a cancellation. He recalled that during their most recent phone call, Trump himself had proposed holding a summit in Budapest, the Hungarian capital.

Putin stressed that approaching such talks without proper preparation would be a mistake. He reaffirmed that the Kremlin remains committed to maintaining dialogue with the White House and sees potential for cooperation across many areas-provided Washington is ready to shift from pressure tactics to constructive engagement.

The Russian president also addressed the latest U.S. sanctions, describing them as unfriendly measures that do little to improve relations between the two countries. At the same time, he said the restrictions would not seriously affect Russia’s economy, despite some losses. According to Putin, the country’s energy sector remains stable and secure.

He emphasized that Russia, like any nation that respects itself, would not make critical decisions under external pressure. He called the sanctions another attempt to coerce Moscow, but insisted that no self-respecting country or people would act in such a way. Russia, he added, considers itself among those that can rightfully claim that status.