Ryabkov called US plans to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine an escalation

Possible US plans to supply long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine are the result of “non-stop escalation” on the part of Washington, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

“Non-stop escalation. Neglect of obvious risks associated with this. An absolutely reckless, unrestrained, inherently absurd line of support for the Kyiv regime. This will not change the situation on the battlefield,” he said (quote according to RIA Novosti).

The deputy minister added that such steps “make it difficult to introduce at least elements, shades of common sense into the general Western line.” “Because, you understand, all NATO members, all EU members and many so-called US partners are guided by their course. This is a deliberate escalation line – it leads, by and large, to the abyss,” Ryabkov clarified.

In January, Ryabkov, commenting on information about the likely supply of ATACMS, said that this was “an element of psychological warfare.” Then he also emphasized the escalation on the part of the West and called it “the most dangerous path.”

On September 12, Reuters, citing sources in Washington, reported that the administration of US President Joe Biden is close to approving the sending of long-range missiles filled with cluster munitions to Ukraine. We are talking about ATACMS tactical missile systems with a range of up to 306 km and GMLRS-controlled MLRS with a range of up to 72 km.

At the same time, the United States is already supplying 155-caliber cluster shells to Ukraine, the White House announced this in early July. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted that if cluster munitions are supplied to Ukraine, the Russian military will be forced to use similar weapons against the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Earlier media wrotethat the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Vladimir Zelensky and Joe Biden, will discuss the supply of long-range missiles at the UN General Assembly on September 19.