Russia has sent a formal diplomatic note to the Biden administration warning the US against further arming Ukraine, two officials told CBS News.
The note sent to the State Department revealed Moscow’s anger at President Biden’s decision to continue authorizing arms transfers if the conflict shifts to eastern Ukraine. It used the same type of language Russia has used for some time to resist Western efforts to bolster Ukraine’s military against invading Russian forces.
Foreign Minister Antony Blinken has previously described the strategy as part of a plan to increase Kiev’s influence at the negotiating table in an attempt to find a negotiated end to the conflict. The Washington Post first reported Russia’s diplomatic note to the US, quoting Russian officials as saying the arms shipments could have “unpredictable consequences.”
The note comes as President Biden this week approved an expansion in the type of military aid the US is providing to Ukraine, including $800 million worth of weaponry, including artillery such as medium-range howitzers, which will come in handy in this next phase of the conflict can turn out to be Eastern Ukraine.
US increases military aid to Ukraine to 02:33
“We will not be acknowledging private diplomatic correspondence,” the State Department said in a statement to CBS News. “What we can confirm is that we, along with allies and partners, are providing Ukraine with billions of dollars in security aid, which our Ukrainian partners are using to extraordinary effect to defend their country against Russia’s unprovoked aggression and horrific acts of violence. “
The US has provided Ukraine with a total of $2 billion in military aid since President Biden took office, according to the White House. The latest round of aid this week includes 800 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and 2,000 Javelins, as well as 155mm howitzers, an upgrade to Ukraine’s long-range artillery that will help them go head-to-head with Russia. Last month, Congress approved $13 billion in security aid to Ukraine, which the White House may continue to use for further aid allocations.
“You know, we won’t be able to advertise every piece of security we give because our allies and partners ship to Ukraine through us, but advanced weapons and ammunition are pouring in every day,” Mr. Biden said last week during a speech to the Legislative Conference of North American Building Trades Unions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with CNN on Friday that the world should be prepared for the possibility that Russian President Vladimir Putin could use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine. Russia has now been at war in Ukraine for 50 days.
A senior defense official confirmed that the Russian cruiser Moskva, which sank in the Black Sea, was hit by two Neptun anti-ship missiles launched by the Ukrainians. The sinking of the flagship is significant for Ukraine.
— David Martin contributed to this report.
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