The note, sent to the State Department, revealed Moscow’s frustration with President Biden’s decision to continue approving arms transfers as the conflict shifts to eastern Ukraine. He used the same type of language that Russia has been using for some time to counter Western efforts to bolster the Ukrainian army against Russian invading forces. Foreign Minister Antony Blinken has previously described the strategy as part of a plan to increase Kiev’s leverage at the negotiating table, in a bid to finally find an end to the conflict through negotiations. The Washington Post initially reported the diplomatic note from Russia to the United States and quoted Russian officials as saying that arms shipments could have “unpredictable consequences.” The note comes as President Biden approved this week an extension of US military assistance to Ukraine, including $ 800 million worth of weapons, including artillery, such as medium-range shells, which may prove useful next week. conflict. eastern Ukraine. US increases military aid to Ukraine 02:33 “We will not confirm any private diplomatic correspondence,” the State Department said in a statement to CBS News. “What we can confirm is that, together with our allies and partners, we are providing Ukraine with billions of dollars in security assistance, which our Ukrainian partners are using to the best of their ability to defend their country from unprovoked aggression by Russia and its allies.” horrific acts of violence. “ The United States has provided a total of $ 2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since President Biden took office, according to the White House. The most recent round of aid this week includes 800 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and 2,000 Javelins and 155mm shells, an improvement on Ukraine’s long-range artillery that will help them get in touch with Russia. Last month, Congress approved $ 13 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, which the White House could continue to use for further assistance. “You know, we will not be able to advertise every element of security we give because our allies and partners supply Ukraine through us, but advanced weapons and ammunition are flowing every day,” Biden said last week during a speech at the North American Legislative Building Congress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CNN in an interview on Friday that people should be prepared for the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin using regular nuclear weapons against Ukraine. Russia has been at war with Ukraine for 50 days now. A senior defense official confirmed that the Russian cruiser Moskva, which sank in the Black Sea, was hit by two Neptune anti-ship missiles fired by the Ukrainians. The sinking of the flagship is important for Ukraine. – David Martin contributed to this report. More Margaret Brennan Margaret Brennan is CBS News’ “Face The Nation” moderator and CBS News Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent based in Washington, DC
