Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.
Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers
The conflict in Ukraine can be described as a hybrid war between Russia and the United States, as Kiev would not be able to use modern long-range weapons without US assistance, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
“Well, we officially are not at war. But what is going on in Ukraine is that some people call it hybrid war. I would call it hybrid war as well, but it is obvious that the Ukrainians would not be able to do what they're doing with long-range modern weapons without direct participation of the American servicemen. And this is dangerous, no doubt about this,” Lavrov told US journalist Tucker Carlson.
Russia has been conducting its special military operation since February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the operation aims to "protect people subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime."
According to the president, the ultimate goal of the operation is to completely liberate Donbas and create conditions that guarantee Russia's security: Ukraine must undergo demilitarisation and denasification.
Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Lavrov has said any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for Russia.
According to him, the United States and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, including not only by supplying weapons, but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy and other countries. The Kremlin has said the West pumping weapons into Ukraine does not contribute to peace talks.
Sputnik