Russia warns US of ‘direct military clash’ risk
The decision by the US to send more weaponry to Ukraine, according to Russia, constitutes a “immediate threat” to Moscow’s interests and increases the likelihood of a direct military conflict between Russia and the West.
Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s ambassador to the US, said on Wednesday on the messaging app Telegram that “The supply of military products by the US and its allies not only entails protracted bloodshed and new casualties, but also increases the danger of a direct military clash between Russia and Western countries”.
After US President Joe Biden announced a new $625 million military aid package to Ukraine on Tuesday, he stated, “We regard this as an immediate danger to the strategic interests of our country.”
High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, which Ukraine is said to have utilised in recent counteroffensives against Russian soldiers that resulted in their departure, would be part of the US package.
A $1.1 billion arms package for Ukraine was also unveiled by Washington last week. It included 18 HIMARS launcher systems, supplemental ammunition, various counter-drone systems, and radar systems.
However, because the weapons package from last week was paid for by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), the government is required to buy the weapons from the private sector rather than taking them from already-existing US arms supplies.
Since Russia launched what it calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine in February, the US-led NATO military alliance and Kiev have failed to provide Moscow with the security guarantees it sought in connection with NATO’s eastward expansion. The most recent announcement would mark more than $16.8 billion in US security military aid to Kiev.
The aid package is the first since four former Ukrainian territories—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—joined the Russian Federation after conducting elections in which, according to Russia, the majority of voters supported the move.
Russia warns US of ‘direct military clash’ risk
In a stern retort, Russia’s US representative cautioned Washington to stop engaging in “provocative acts” because doing so may have “severe consequences,” adding that the action increased the likelihood of war between Russia and the West.
Moscow issued its warning in response to a statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that said,, “Recent developments from Russia’s sham referenda and attempted annexation to new revelations of brutality against civilians in Ukrainian territory formerly controlled by Russia only strengthens our resolve”.
