Ukraine Crisis
Russia threatens the west against sending arms to Ukraine
Russia has warned the west that arms convoys heading to Ukraine would be seen as “legitimate targets”.
It comes as U.S. President Joe Biden authorised the secretary of State to provide up to $200 million in defence aid to assist Ukraine.
This will include military education and training.
Russia’s warning
Russia warned the West against sending further arms to Ukraine, saying such arms convoys could now be considered “legitimate targets” for the Russian armed forces.
Speaking to Russia’s Channel One broadcaster earlier, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov issued a warning to the West that could lead to a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
“We warned the United States that pumping Ukraine with weapons from a number of countries orchestrated by them is not just a dangerous move, but an action that turns the corresponding convoys into legitimate targets,” the deputy minister said.
New U.S. security assistance will provide immediate military assistance for Ukraine, including anti-armour, anti-aircraft systems, and small arms.
Russia closes in
Russian forces are around 25 kilometres from the centre of Kyiv, according to U.K. intelligence, raising concerns that a large-scale Russian attack on the capital could happen at any time.
New satellite images appear to show that the long-immobile Russian convoy north of Kyiv has been redeployed to towns and forests outside the city, potentially signaling a renewed push toward the capital.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s authorities accused Russia of preventing the evacuation of people from the heavily besieged port city of Mariupol.
The situation in the city is dire, with civilians unable to escape. Food, water and electricity are scarce.