Vladimir Putin to make 'major speech' this week as Kremlin sends cryptic message

 

Why is Putin preparing a “major speech” as the U.S. debates sending Ukraine Tomahawk missiles?

The Kremlin has announced that Vladimir Putin will deliver a “major speech” in what officials describe as an “interesting week ahead.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov revealed the plan in an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, though he stopped short of disclosing the exact topic or timing.

This announcement comes shortly after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said Donald Trump is weighing Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles. These missiles can travel about 1,000 miles, putting critical Russian infrastructure—and even Moscow—within Ukraine’s reach.

So far, the United States has resisted supplying weapons with such range, citing fears of escalation and the risk of a direct NATO-Russia confrontation. But Vance told Fox News that the Trump administration is actively reviewing Ukraine’s request. Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, went further, suggesting that both Trump and senior officials—including Vice President Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio—now appear open to the idea.

Ukrainian forces have already shown their ability to strike deep inside Russia using drones, damaging oil refineries and other facilities far from the frontlines. Access to Tomahawks would significantly extend Kyiv’s reach and strike power.

For now, Moscow says its military experts are closely monitoring the situation. Whether Putin’s upcoming speech will directly address U.S. deliberations on long-range missiles remains to be seen—but the timing suggests the Kremlin wants to shape the narrative before Washington makes its move.