"The hypothetical use of such systems is possible only with the direct involvement of American personnel. I hope that those who are pushing Washington to make such a decision are well aware of the depth and severity of the consequences of a decision being made in this situation," Ryabkov said.

The diplomat called on the White House and the Pentagon to "take a sober, sensible, responsible approach to this whole situation."

The United States has not yet made a decision on the supply of Tomahawk missiles. US President Donald Trump has planned to ask Ukraine where it would send the missiles it received. He explained that he did not see any risk of escalation in this situation.

The Kremlin considers the potential transfer of Tomahawk a "serious escalation." President Vladimir Putin has warned of the threat of destroying relations with the United States. "In any case, there are positive trends in these relations," he added.

According to Reuters, the transfer of Tomahawk is unlikely to take place and, most likely, the United States will transfer less long-range missiles.

Tomahawk is a multi—purpose missile designed to destroy command posts, radars, air defense batteries, airfields and other targets. Developed in the 1970s by General Dynamics. The rocket's speed is 885 km/h (Mach 0.74), range is 1250-2500 km. rbc.ru.