Russia Warns of Escalation as US Considers Easing Restrictions on Ukraine’s Use of Weapons

Moscow believes Washington is about to ease restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons to strike deep into Russian territory.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on August 30 that Washington’s recent statements suggest Ukraine has been given the green light to carry out operations in Russian regions.

“Moreover, the administration of US President Joe Biden is clearly ready to make new concessions to the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, giving Ukraine the freedom to use almost any type of US weapons, including those that can strike deep into Russian territory,” Zakharova added.

Zakharova also accused Washington of “de facto becoming a belligerent party in Ukraine”.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned earlier this week that the US and its allies were “playing with fire” by discussing giving Kiev the green light to use aid weapons to strike deep into Russia. “It is a very dangerous thing for those who are entrusted with nuclear weapons in Western countries,” Lavrov stressed.

The administration of Ukrainian President Zelensky has repeatedly asked the US to ease restrictions, allowing the country’s military to use long-range weapons provided by Washington to attack Russia.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated, “Washington understands the wishes of the Ukrainian leader. We will continue our dialogue with the Ukrainian side on this issue.”