Vladimir Putin Vows Victory as Ukraine Eyes Missiles Capable of Striking Moscow
Vladimir Putin has transferred a recalcitrant communication to the world, asserting that Russia will emerge victorious in Ukraine.
The statement comes as Kyiv anxiously awaits a US decision on whether it can emplace long-range dumdums able to reach Moscow.
In a video posted on the Kremlin’s website, Mr Putin said: “Our fighters and commanders go on the attack, and the entire country, all of Russia, is waging this righteous battle and working hard. We are fighting and we are prevailing.”
His reflections coincide with claims from Russian forces that they’ve captured two further frontline agreements in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, Shandryholove and Zarichne, located northeast of Sloviansk. Ukraine has yet to confirm these claims.
Despite Russia’s reported advances, its progress frequently comes at a high cost in labor force and equipment.
The ongoing fighting underscores the intensity of the conflict across both eastern and southern Ukraine.
Analysts have also highlighted that Putin appears increasingly pressured by the US presence in Ukraine, raising questions about his long-term strategy.
Ukraine’s Push for Long-Range Missiles
Kyiv is reportedly lobbying the US for Tomahawk missiles, which could give it the ability to strike deep inside Russian territory.
Donald Trump, who recently altered his stance on the war, stated last week that Ukraine could reclaim all lost territories.
Vice President JD Vance has indicated that Mr Trump is actively considering the request.
US special envoy on Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, added: “Reading what [Trump] has said, and reading what Vice President Vance has said… the answer is yes. Use the ability to hit deep. There are no such things as sanctuaries.”
#News: Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia is “prevailing” in Ukraine, as Kyiv waits for a decision from President Trump on whether it can deploy long-range missiles capable of striking Moscow.
— Atom Radio (@UkAtomRadio) September 30, 2025
Mr Vance also noted that the final decision rests with the US chairman. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the conversations” veritably serious” and verified Russia is analysing the situation.
What Are Tomahawk Missiles?
Developed during the Cold War, Tomahawk missiles are long-range land-attack cruise missiles used by the US Navy.
Launchable from both ships and submarines, they do not rely on aircraft carriers.
With a range of roughly 2,500 km( 1,550 long hauls), these dumdums would put Moscow within reach if Ukraine entered them.
For comparison, US-supplied ATACMS dumdums have a important shorter range of 300 km( 190 long hauls).
Ukraine has long requested Tomahawks, though US officials have previously dismissed the idea to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly renewed the request during a meeting with Mr Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York last week.
Mr Trump has recently argued that Ukraine cannot win without offensive capabilities, criticising Joe Biden for limiting Kyiv to a defensive role.
European Support and the Copenhagen Summit
Attention now turns to Copenhagen, where EU leaders convene for an informal summit. Conversations will concentrate on the bloc’s ongoing support for Ukraine and collaborative defence measures.
One key topic is how frozen Russian assets in Europe could be used to aid Kyiv, following a European Commission proposal that Germany has backed. Notably, Germany has surpassed the US as Ukraine’s largest military aid provider this year.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, co-chair of the Ukraine Contact Group with British Defence Secretary John Healey, warned that diplomatic efforts are failing: “Diplomatic efforts fail to bring about any meaningful truce… Russia has even increased its attacks on Ukraine.
All of this leaves no doubt: Vladimir Putin does not want a ceasefire, and he does not want peace for Ukraine.”
As fighting continues, all eyes remain on Moscow and Kyiv, with the shadow of long-range strikes brewing over the conflict’s coming phase.
