Moscow – Saba:
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday that Moscow considers itself entitled to strike military facilities in countries that permit Ukraine to launch attacks deep into Russian territory using their weapons.
"Russia considers itself authorized to use its weapons against military targets in countries that allow the use of long-range weapons against Russia. If the conflict escalates, we will respond firmly and reciprocally," Zakharova told reporters.
According to Sputnik, she emphasized that long-range missiles are unlikely to be operated independently by the Ukrainian armed forces.
"Long-range systems cannot be used without the direct involvement of military specialists from the countries that produce them. This means that German military personnel would be directly involved in planning and executing combat operations against our country if the Taurus missiles, or any modified versions under different names, are used," she explained.
Zakharova also criticized recent comments by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who said German troops were prepared to kill Russian soldiers. She claimed his remarks show that NATO has "gone mad and become increasingly reckless."
"They've lost their minds. Has any NATO member been attacked—or is about to be attacked—by Russia?" she asked. "It is NATO states, through their current positions and previous formations, that have attacked our country. We have repeatedly informed Pistorius and others at the highest levels that we do not intend to attack NATO countries."
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Patriot air defense systems are already being sent to Ukraine and will be supplied by Germany, which will then replenish its own stock.
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