Russia has emphasized its readiness to defend itself using “all means” at its disposal, following the launch of its new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) targeting Ukraine in late November. The statement, made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, was broadcast on Thursday.
Lavrov expressed hope that the West had “taken seriously” the recent missile launch, which he described as a message intended to underscore Russia’s position. Speaking during an interview in Moscow with American television host Tucker Carlson, who is considered close to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Lavrov underscored that Russia is prepared to prevent what Western nations refer to as a “strategic defeat of Russia.”
He stated that the United States and its allies must understand the extent of Russia’s resolve. The missile’s use was presented by Russian authorities as retaliation for Ukrainian forces’ attacks on Russian territory using American and British-made intermediate-range missiles.
Lavrov clarified that Moscow does not seek to escalate the situation and aims to avoid misunderstandings with Washington and its allies. However, he warned that Russia would send “further messages” if the necessary conclusions were not drawn by the West.
The foreign minister expressed a desire for normal relations with neighbouring countries and major powers like the U.S., noting the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president. Lavrov’s comments came as the outgoing administration of Joe Biden announced its intention to ensure Ukraine is equipped with the necessary resources to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Lavrov stated that there was no reason why Russia and the U.S. could not collaborate for the greater good of the world. While formally not at war, he described the conflict in Ukraine as a “hybrid war,” citing the active involvement of American military personnel in enabling Ukraine’s use of advanced long-range weaponry.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously claimed that the “Aresnik” missile travels at speeds up to ten times the speed of sound, rendering it invulnerable to any air defense system.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the missile’s deployment as “the latest outburst of Russian madness.” He called for the modernization of air defense systems to counter the emerging threat.
Also read: Ukraine tests new domestically produced missiles, says Zelensky
Source: ANA-MPA
