Russia warns US against supplying long-range missile weapons to Ukraine
IRYNA BALACHUK — SATURDAY, 28 MAY 2022, 08:43
Russia's ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, has said Russia hoped that "common sense would prevail" over Washington's possible supply of long-range missile weapons to Ukraine.
Source: Russian Embassy in the United States on Telegram
Quote from Antonov: "According to US media reports, the administration may give Kyiv HIMARS MLRS and M270 MLRS, which will be equipped with M31 GMLRS guided missiles. There is a risk that such equipment will be placed near Russia's borders and Ukrainians will be able to strike at Russian cities.
Such a situation is unacceptable and intolerable for us. I am confident that our Armed Forces will do everything to nullify the capabilities of the [Ukrainian] Armed Forces."
Details: Antonov also added that Russia is now basing its position on a statement by Pentagon spokesman John Kirby that the final decision on this issue has not yet been made.
According to him, Russia has repeatedly communicated to the United States through diplomatic channels that "the unprecedented pumping of weapons to Ukraine significantly increases the risks of escalation of the conflict."
Antonov added that the Americans are well aware that "their actions take away the prospects for peace" and that their actions threaten "unpredictable consequences for global security."
"We hope that common sense will prevail, and Washington will not take such a provocative step. We are calling for an end to the senseless and extremely risky pumping of weapons into the country. It is important to refrain from threats against us and claims of a military victory for Ukraine," Antonov concluded.
Background:
- On 27 May, the US Department of Defense stated that it "knows and is aware" of Ukraine's request for multiple rocket launchers, but "decisions have not yet been made."
On 28 May, the New York Times quoted U.S. officials as saying that US President Joe Biden's administration had approved sending long-range multiple rocket launchers to Ukraine.
