Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has warned that Western convoys delivering arms to Ukraine could be seen as "legitimate targets" for the Russian Armed Forces.
"We have warned the US that pumping weapons into Ukraine, which they have orchestrated, from a number of countries, is not just a dangerous move – it is a move that turns these convoys into legitimate targets," Mr Ryabkov said during an appearance on state TV.
He said the transfer to Ukraine of weapons such as air-defence systems and anti-tank missiles was "reckless" and that the US needed to take Russia's warnings seriously.
He also denounced US sanctions against Moscow as an “unprecedented attempt to deal a serious blow to various sectors of the Russian economy,” adding Moscow will act in a measured way to avoid hurting itself.
Mr Ryabkov said Russia has no intention to expel Western media and businesses amid the soaring tensions with the West, claiming: “We aren’t going to escalate the situation”.
The UK, US and other Western countries have pumped in large consignments of arms and ammunition to Ukraine since the war broke out to bolster its defences.
Some of the arms sent include nearly 20,000 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of anti-aircraft weapons.
According to media reports RAF and US Air Force cargo planes have delivered military aid to Poland and other locations on Nato’s eastern flank. After they’ve been delivered close to the border they are transferred to Ukraine by road.
Germany has sent 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.
Finland has sent 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 bullets and 1,500 anti-tank weapons.
Meanwhile, Sweden is supplying 5 000 anti-tank missiles, while Denmark is providing 2,700 of the same weapons.
Norway is donating up to 2,000 M72 anti-tank weapons and Spain said it would send 1,370 anti-tank grenade launchers, 700,000 rifles and machine-gun rounds.
France has also declared it intends to send defensive weapons to Ukraine but as yet has not revealed what they are.
