The Pentagon has recently announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine, worth $400 million. This package includes air defense and anti-tank missiles, among other military equipment. The decision has prompted a strong reaction from Russia, with Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s ambassador to the US, calling it “beyond morality and common sense.”
The Defense Department released a statement on Tuesday outlining the details of the military aid. It includes additional munitions for Patriot and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, Stinger anti-aircraft and Javelin anti-tank systems, HIMARS missiles, artillery and mortar rounds, 32 Stryker armored personnel carriers, Hornet drones, and various other equipment.
Ambassador Antonov strongly criticized the decision, claiming that Washington’s actions go beyond morality and common sense. He accused the US of “pumping” its Ukrainian allies with weapons and argued that the true intention behind this move is to cause more human suffering and deaths in the ongoing conflict. Antonov further stated, “One can be sure that missiles and munitions, paid for with billions of dollars from the pockets of American taxpayers, will ruin cities, litter fields with unexploded ammunitions, maim and mutilate.”
The Russian ambassador also accused the US of sponsoring the “terrorist plans” of the Ukrainian government. He referred to a recent drone strike on the Crimean Bridge, which claimed the lives of a married Russian couple and injured their teenage daughter. Antonov questioned how many more American vehicles must burn for the US leadership to realize that attempts to defeat Russia “on the battlefield” will only lead to their defeat.
Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the US has become the main supporter of Ukraine in terms of military assistance, providing more than $43 billion. Russia has consistently warned that Western arms shipments will only prolong the conflict and directly involve NATO countries in the hostilities.
The Russian response to the new US military package for Ukraine highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Russia maintains that Western interference in the conflict is exacerbating the situation and preventing a peaceful resolution. The US, on the other hand, argues that its support for Ukraine is crucial for countering Russian aggression and promoting stability in the region.
The continued escalation of the conflict and the influx of weapons into the region bring concerns of further violence and loss of life. The international community is watching closely as these developments unfold, hoping for a diplomatic solution that can bring an end to the Ukraine crisis and restore peace to the region.
Source link
