Russian forces have renewed attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with the Kremlin warning the West of a tragic escalation plan by supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles to target deep inside Russia. Media reports confirm that US intelligence is assisting Ukraine in targeting Russian energy facilities.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that its forces struck energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraine that are part of its military-industrial complex. Russian air defenses also shot down 72 Ukrainian drones within 24 hours.

The Kremlin expressed deep concern over the possibility of the US supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, warning that the war has reached a “dramatic” escalation moment from all sides. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “The Tomahawk missile issue raises serious concern… This is truly a dramatic moment… Tensions are escalating from all sides.”

Last Monday, US President Donald Trump said he wanted to know Ukraine’s plans for the Tomahawk missiles before approving their supply, as he does not want to escalate the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, he added that he had “somewhat made a decision” on the matter. Peskov noted that if Tomahawk missiles are launched at Russia, Moscow must consider that some versions of the missile can carry nuclear warheads.

The Tomahawk missile has a range of 2,500 kilometers, meaning Ukraine would be able to strike deep inside Russia, including the capital Moscow. Some older and currently unused models of Tomahawk can carry nuclear warheads.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month that it is impossible to use Tomahawk missiles without direct involvement of US military personnel.

In this context, the Financial Times reported yesterday that the US has been helping Ukraine conduct long-range strikes targeting Russian energy facilities for months, in a joint effort to weaken Moscow’s economy and force Putin to negotiate. The newspaper quoted informed Ukrainian and American officials saying US intelligence helped Kyiv strike important Russian energy assets, including oil refineries, far from the front lines. The US intelligence also assists Kyiv in determining coordinates, timing, and critical decisions, enabling Ukrainian long-range armed drones to evade Russian air defenses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he discussed Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system in a “positive and productive” call with US President Donald Trump. He added, “We discussed opportunities to enhance our air defense, as well as concrete agreements we are working on. There are good options and solid ideas on how to strengthen Kyiv’s air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities.”

In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron said on his X platform after speaking with his Ukrainian counterpart that Paris condemns the Russian bombing of infrastructure in Ukraine, adding, “If Russia continues its stubborn war and refuses to sit at the negotiating table, it will have to pay the price.”

Separately, Cuba denied US allegations of its involvement in the Ukraine war or sending military forces there. A statement from the Cuban Foreign Ministry said Cuba “rejects the false accusations promoted by the US government regarding Cuba’s alleged involvement in the military conflict in Ukraine.” (Agencies)