Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that any type of freight or cargo providers moving weapons into Ukraine will be considered valid targets for their military. Lavrov made the comments on Friday, in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s continued requests to the United States for weapons.
#Russia's Foreign Minister #Lavrov threatens that all transporters that may bring weapons to #Ukraine will be declared military targets. pic.twitter.com/DDP8AkT8OD
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 18, 2022
“We clearly said that any cargo moving into the Ukrainian territory which we would believe is carrying weapons would be fair game,” Lavrov told RT. “This is clear because we are implementing the operation the goal of which is to remove any threat to the Russian Federation coming from the Ukrainian soil.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has told the Kremlin-backed English language channel that many countries are not prepared to accept 'Uncle Sam' acting as a 'sheriff' in a 'global village'.https://t.co/X3flQUBL0r pic.twitter.com/MDax4DMDFK
— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 18, 2022
On Thursday, Senators Mitt Romney and Lindsey Graham introduced a resolution to provide Ukraine with US fighter jets and air defense systems.
In a statement concerning their efforts, Romney stated that “we must do everything in our power to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against the monstrous actions of Vladimir Putin.”
“That means getting them the capabilities they need—MiG-29 jets, air defense systems, anti-tank missiles, ammunition—to fight and keep their land and skies safe. America has a responsibility to defend freedom around the world, and we must not wait any longer—get Ukraine what they need now,” Romney said.
Graham urged his associates to elect on the resolution promptly.
“I’m urging the Senate to speak with one voice, to meet the moment,” said Graham. “We’ve been talking. We have written letters. Now it’s time to take votes. If we had a vote on the resolution to supply the Ukrainian military with the MiG fighters and other air defense systems, it would be a shot in the arm to Ukrainian people and their military. It would be a blow to Putin. If we do this soon, I think it really could help the outcome of this conflict.”
The resolution:
- Encourages the President of the United States to support the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG-29s, and air defense systems to Ukraine.
- Supports continued efforts by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other countries around the globe to identify additional aviation and air defense capabilities to transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Expresses that the Senate stands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russian aggression.
The resolution is additionally co-sponsored by Republican Senators Joni Ernst, Mike Crapo, Kevin Cramer, Bill Cassidy, Rick Scott, Roger Wicker, Thom Tillis, and also James Lankford.
H/T Timcast