Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a clear warning on Monday to European Union countries providing weapons to Ukrainian defense forces after Russia’s invasion last week.
“There is a harsh reaction to EU actions. Russia will continue to ensure the achievement of significant national interests, regardless of sanctions and their threats. Western countries have long lost full control over the world economy. It’s time to realize, “said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Told to Interfax..
“EU citizens and organizations involved in the delivery of deadly weapons, fuels, and lubricants to Ukraine are responsible for the consequences of such actions appearing during ongoing special military operations.” Warned.
“They can’t neglect to understand how dangerous these consequences are,” the ministry said. It does not elaborate on what penalties and penalties Russia is trying to impose.
Last weekend, EU policymakers agreed to send about $ 560 million worth of weapons, ammunition and aid as Ukrainian troops fight the Russian invasion.
“For the first time, the EU will fund the purchase and delivery of weapons and other equipment to countries under attack,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Said During a press conference. “This is the moment of the watershed,” she added.
At the same time, the EU has closed airspace to all Russian planes, including commercial jets and commercial aircraft. However, NATO officials and White House spokesman Jen Psaki ruled out forcing Ukraine on a “no-fly zone” on Monday, arguing that such a move would put the United States and NATO in direct conflict with Russia. ..
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said he would reject Russia’s claim that Western nations were escalating conflicts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “We continue to escalate this.” “We will continue to support the Ukrainian army, as we and other NATO countries have.”
On Monday, the first negotiations aimed at stopping the fight between Ukraine and Russia ended without agreement, except to continue talking. Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Prime Minister Putin and head of the Russian delegation, said the talks lasted nearly five hours and the envoy “found a specific point where a common position could be foreseen.” He said they agreed to continue the discussion in the next few days.
On Monday, a 17-mile escort fleet of hundreds of armored vehicles, tanks, cannons, and support vehicles was just 17 miles from the center of Kyiv, according to Maxar satellite imagery.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Jack Phillips is the latest news reporter for The Epoch Times, based in New York.