The Kremlin said on Wednesday that deliveries of long-range weapons to Ukraine from Western countries will not change Russia’s military objectives in Ukraine or the fighting on the battlefield. If the shipment of this type of weapon becomes a reality, “the conflict will escalate,” the Kremlin warned at a time when the US is expected to announce a new package of military aid to Ukraine, which will include long-range missiles for the first time.
Kiev has asked its allies for longer-range fighter jets and modern missiles to hit targets deeper in the Russian-controlled area.
The Kremlin spokesman said the eventual delivery of long-range weapons to the Ukrainian army will contribute to “the escalation” of the conflict. “That would require greater efforts on our part. But again, it will not change the course of events,” Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Russian presidency, said in the usual conversation with journalists.
Peskov responded this way to unconfirmed information that Washington intends to provide Ukraine with missiles with a range of up to 150 kilometers.
So far, Ukraine’s allies have refused to provide this type of weapon for fear that the missiles could be used to hit targets in Russia, exacerbating the conflict.
Peskov also said the Kremlin is not considering new plans for talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden.
On Tuesday, Biden said he will discuss Ukraine’s latest requests about advanced weapons with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine’s requests for fighter jets and long-range missiles come after Western countries gave the green light to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Kiev’s armed forces.
Source: DN
