Russia warns the United States against sending long-range weapons to Ukraine

Vladimir Putin

Russia warns the United States against sending long-range weapons to Ukraine

A senior Russian diplomat warned Washington Friday against supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons, noting that the United States is on the brink of direct involvement in the conflict.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also referred to the country's military doctrine, which provides for the use of nuclear weapons in the event of a threat to the existence of the Russian state.

"We have repeatedly warned the US about the consequences if the US continues to flood Ukraine with weapons," Ryabkov said. "It is effectively putting itself in a situation close to what can be described as a party to the conflict."

Speaking on state television, Ryabkov warned that "the very narrow margin separating the United States from becoming a party to the conflict should not create the illusion of rabid anti-Russian forces that everything will remain as it is if they bypass it."

He stressed that Russia would advance its attack in Ukraine until it reached its goals.

"Russia can defend its interests fully, and the goals of the special military operation will be fully achieved," Ryabkov said.

He pointed out that the Russian military doctrine provides for the possibility of using nuclear weapons in the event of an attack on Russia and its allies using weapons of mass destruction or an attack using conventional weapons that threatens the existence of the Russian state.

The supply of US HIMARS multiple rocket launchers has enhanced the offensive capability of the Ukrainian army, which has used them to strike critical infrastructure facilities and other targets. Truck-mounted systems launch GPS-guided missiles capable of reaching targets up to 80 kilometers (50 miles).

US authorities have refrained from supplying Ukraine with longer-range missiles for HIMARS platforms that can reach targets up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) and allow the Ukrainian military to strike areas deep in Russia.

"We warn the United States against taking provocative steps, such as delivering longer-range and more destructive weapons," Ryabkov said. "It is a road to anywhere fraught with dire consequences, and the responsibility for it will fall entirely on Washington."