Russia sent a formal warning to the US not to send more weapons to Ukraine, saying it could face “unpredictable consequences,” it has been reported.
According to the Washington Post, Moscow sent a diplomatic note, a demarche, warning that US and NATO shipments of the “most sensitive” weapons systems to Ukraine could “fuel” the conflict there and have “unpredictable consequences”.
A spokesman said the State Department had of course not confirmed any diplomatic correspondence and made it clear that the US would continue to send arms to Ukraine.
“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. ‘ said the spokesman.
The Russian embassy in Ukraine did not respond to a request for comment.
The US is preparing to send the latest $800 million (£610 million) in military aid to Ukraine, bringing the total since the start of the war to $2.6 billion. The Biden administration has also made it clear that it is sending increasingly heavier and more sophisticated equipment, including helicopters, air and sea drones, and long-range 155mm howitzers, while training Ukrainian soldiers on how to use them.
The US is also sending additional anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles of the type that have so far contributed to the war effort in Ukraine. Ukrainians claim to have sunk the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Moskva on Thursday using Neptun missiles developed in Ukraine. Britain has promised to send more anti-ship missiles to replenish stockpiles. Military experts believe Ukraine’s anti-ship missile systems have so far deterred Russia from attempting an amphibious landing around Odessa.
It is unclear whether Moscow has sent similar diplomatic notes to European countries. On Thursday, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck appeared to be backtracking on his calls from earlier in the week for the Ukrainian army to be supplied with what it needs as quickly as possible.
Habeck expressed concern about Russian reprisals. “Heavy weapons are synonymous with tanks and all NATO countries have so far ruled this out to avoid becoming targets themselves,” he told Politico.
Despite this, the Czech Republic has already sent T-72 tanks and armored personnel carriers, while the US is sending helicopters and howitzers.