In some of the Kremlin's strongest words yet denouncing Western arms shipments, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned Ukraine that newly ramped up arms transfers including US missile systems being sent to Kiev risks drawing a third country into the war.
In the Wednesday statements, he accused Ukraine of seeking to involve outside countries, and slammed the missile transfer as marking a 'direct provocation'. His words come on the heels of Biden on Tuesday night announcing longer range missile systems for Ukraine, which however likely can't reach Russian territory, given they are short to "medium range" systems. Moscow previously called the White House's expressed desire to avoid direct confrontation with Russia a "rational" policy.
But Lavrov took the opportunity to warn hawks both in the US and Europe: "I will say it frankly: not everyone in the European Union, especially in its northern part [understands this]. There are politicians, who are ready to do this madness in order to satisfy their ambitions. But serious countries in the EU naturally are well aware that such scenarios are unacceptable," the top diplomat said according to state media.
The blistering attack also seemed aimed at Germany, which just announced new anti-air radar and defense systems for Ukraine:
Germany will supply Ukraine with the IRIS-T modern air defence and radar systems, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said, stepping up arms deliveries amid criticism that Berlin is not doing enough to help Kyiv in its fight against Russia.
“The government has decided that we will send the IRIS-T system – the most modern system that Germany currently possesses,” the German chancellor told parliament.
In separate statements on the same day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia "does not believe Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s claims that Kiev will not attack Russian territory, should it obtain US-made long-range multiple launch rocket systems."
Russia is now implicitly warning that it will hold the US accountable for any 'mishaps' regarding the US rockets in the hands of Ukrainian forces
Biden Unveils Longer Range Rockets For Ukraine
President Biden in an op-ed for The New York Times published Tuesday night sought to clarify his Ukraine policy amid what appears to much of the public as constant incremental escalation. Crucially, he argued the US is not seeking regime change targeting Putin, nor is Washington seeking to escalate toward war with Russia.
"We do not seek a war between NATO and Russia. As much as I disagree with Mr. Putin, and find his actions an outrage, the United States will not try to bring about his ouster in Moscow," Biden wrote. "So long as the United States or our allies are not attacked, we will not be directly engaged in this conflict, either by sending American troops to fight in Ukraine or by attacking Russian forces," he added.
It's also no wonder than many observers might look upon America's Ukraine policy and be "confused," to say the least. While declaring that he doesn't want to fight Russia, Biden in the same NY Times op-ed unveiled he'll be sending "more advanced rocket systems and munitions" to Ukraine, which will "enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield."
He wrote that arms already going to the Ukrainians will continue, while also pledging "billions more" in US aid. He said:
We will continue providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stinger antiaircraft missiles, powerful artillery and precision rocket systems, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, Mi-17 helicopters and ammunition. We will also send billions more in financial assistance, as authorized by Congress.
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