Russia’s Ambassador to the U.S. warns of serious consequences after U.S. sends missiles to Ukraine
Oct 18 (Reuters) – Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, criticized Washington’s decision to send long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, calling it a grave mistake that will have serious consequences. Antonov made these remarks after Kyiv confirmed that it had used the weapons for the first time.
In a statement on the Telegram messaging app, Ambassador Antonov said, “The consequences of this step, which was deliberately hidden from the public, will be of the most serious nature.”
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that it had provided Ukraine with ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) capable of hitting targets up to 165 km (102 miles) away, following media reports about the secret provision of the missiles to Ukraine. Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, also confirmed that his forces had used the ATACMS after striking two air bases in Ukrainian territory now controlled by Russia.
According to Ukrainian Special Forces, the attacks destroyed nine helicopters, an air defense missile launcher, runways, and other equipment near Luhansk in Ukraine’s east and in Berdiansk in the south, on the Sea of Azov, both under Russian control.
Ukraine had repeatedly requested the ATACMS from the U.S. administration and had pledged not to use them inside Russia’s territory. The powerful weapons were seen as a potential game-changer in the 20-month-old war that Russia launched.
While the advantage the missile system will give Ukraine remains uncertain, Kyiv officials have stated their intention to push Russia’s key air assets far back from the front lines.
The Kremlin, however, downplayed the impact of the U.S. supplies of ATACMS missiles and Abrams tanks to Ukraine, stating that they would not change the situation on the battlefield.
Ambassador Antonov criticized the U.S., claiming it is curtailing bilateral relations and pushing for a direct conflict between NATO and Russia. “Washington is consistently pursuing a policy of completely curtailing bilateral relations,” he said.
The ongoing situation between Ukraine and Russia continues to evolve, and the international community is closely monitoring developments.