Russia has threatened to target Western countries with missile strikes if Ukraine's newly-donated F-16 fighters are based in NATO territory.
Such an act by Vladimir Putin would also certainly trigger a World War Three scenario between the West and Russia.
It comes as the Kremlin warned today that a nuclear world war is closer than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
Maria Zakharova - spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry - warned the West that the advanced F-16 fighters delivered to Ukraine will be a fair target for Russia if they are based in NATO countries.
She said that the fourth-generation fighter jets could be based in Poland, Slovakia and Romania, meaning NATO is 'getting deeper' into the Ukrainian conflict.
'There have been many questions asked about the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine,' said Zakharova, 47.
She continued: 'I would like to say that NATO member states continue, as you understand, to intensively arm Ukraine and the supply of tactical fighters is next.
'Given the fact that a significant part of Ukraine's airfield infrastructure has been destroyed, it is possible that these American fighters will be based outside the country, in Poland, Slovakia and Romania.
'Thus, the North Atlantic Alliance is getting deeper and deeper into the Ukrainian conflict.'
In August, the United States approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russia. They are expected to arrive in Ukraine next year.
Holding the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Zakharova is Russia's most senior woman diplomat and issued a specific threat to NATO countries on behalf of her boss, Putin's hawkish 73-year-old Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Zakharova continued: 'The West is waging a hybrid war against our country under the slogan of saving Ukraine.
'At the same time, they also agreed that their main goal is to prevent confrontation with Russia.
'Funny. In reality, the risks of a direct military clash between Russia and NATO are only increasing.
'For the Russian armed forces, fighters participating in the conflict on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, no matter where they fly from, will be a legitimate target for destruction.'
1 comment:
I expect the UN to invoke Article 99 forcing Russia into a cease fire.
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