MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the United States on Wednesday against mocking Moscow’s “red lines” in light of ongoing talks between Washington and Kyiv about providing Ukraine with long-range missiles.
Lavrov’s comments came in response to a Reuters report that the United States is nearing an agreement to supply Ukraine with Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), which have the capability to strike deep into Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been actively lobbying for these advanced weapons as part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to push back against Russian forces.
In a television interview, Lavrov expressed concern that the US might be underestimating the serious implications of crossing Russia’s strategic thresholds. “I won’t be surprised by anything — the Americans have already crossed the threshold they set for themselves. They are being egged on, and Zelensky of course sees this and takes advantage of it,” Lavrov said.
The Foreign Minister said that Russia’s “red lines” should not be taken lightly, warning against any actions that could provoke a severe response from Moscow.
The warning reflects Russia’s longstanding emphasis on maintaining a balance of power and mutual deterrence, principles that have been central to its relations with the US since the Cold War era.
Lavrov criticized the US for seemingly disregarding these principles, saying that Washington’s actions risk destabilizing the strategic equilibrium that has existed between the two superpowers.
Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western nations, led by the US, have ramped up military support for Kyiv, including the provision of tanks, advanced missiles, and fighter jets.
This increased assistance has fueled speculation among some Western politicians that Russia’s nuclear threats might be a bluff and has prompted calls for a more aggressive approach to supporting Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s recent incursion into Russia, which began on August 6, has further complicated the situation, with some viewing it as a direct challenge to Russia’s declared red lines.
Lavrov criticized the US for its perceived disregard for the potential consequences of escalating the conflict, warning that Washington’s actions could have far-reaching effects beyond Europe.
The Russian Foreign Minister’s comments also alluded to remarks by White House national security adviser John Kirby, who has stated that the US is not seeking a global conflict and that a significant escalation in Ukraine could have dire consequences for European and US interests.
It was the second time in just over a week that Lavrov has cautioned the US that a third world war would not be confined to Europe.
Last week, the Kremlin announced that it is revising its nuclear doctrine in response to what it describes as increasing threats from Washington and its allies.
Kremlin said that Washington and its allies were threatening Russia by escalating the war in Ukraine and riding roughshod over what it called Moscow’s legitimate security interests.
It has not said how it plans to update the policy document setting out the circumstances in which it might use a nuclear weapon, or when the changes will take effect.
