Russia has issued a fresh official condemnation Thursday after reports emerged in major US publications this week that the Biden White House is to imminently approve sending Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine. The prior day, the Kremlin initially reacted by declaring any inbound Patriot shipments a "legitimate target" for attack.
The Russian Embassy in Washington has now issued an additional warning, saying the conflict could enter an "unpredictable" spiral if the US follows through with supplying Patriot anti-air systems. President Biden is still said to be "finalizing" plans to send what would mark the longest-range missiles to date for Ukraine's forces.
"If this is confirmed, we will witness yet another provocative step by the [Biden] administration, which can lead to unpredictable consequences," the fresh Russian Embassy statement said.
While Biden admin officials have tried to cast the potential move as purely defensive in nature, arguing stronger anti-air measures are needed to protect civilians and cities from the onslaught of expanded Russian aerial attacks, Moscow countered it will embolden Kiev to commit "new crimes" against civilians.
The Russian Embassy statement added that the new major weapons systems transfer "will only strengthen the Zelensky regime’s sense of impunity and push it to new crimes against civilians" in four annexed regions of the east and south.
Further warning that it could lead to showdown between nuclear-armed powers, the embassy stated: "Washington’s strategy causes enormous damage not only to the Russian-American relations, but also creates additional risks for global security."
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