Russia warns US decision encourages ‘new bloodshed’

MOSCOW: Moscow warned Saturday that Washington was encouraging ‘new bloodshed’ in eastern Ukraine by its decision to provide the ex- Soviet nation with lethal weapons, while Kiev expressed the hope arms supplies could help contain Russia.

The stern Moscow warning came a f ter a new ceasef ire deal between Ukraine and proRussian rebels went into effect from midnight Saturday ahead of the New Year and Orthodox Christmas holidays. But already both sides are claiming ceasefire violations.

In a strongly-worded statement Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov accused the United States of ‘ crossing the line’ and fomenting the conflict in eastern Ukraine, a region known locally as Donbass.

“Kiev revanchists are shooting at Donbass every day, they don’t want to conduct peace negotiat ions and dream of doing away with the disobedient population. And the United States has decided to give them weapons to do that,” Ryabkov said.

“Today, the United States clearly pushes ( Ukrainian authorities) towards new bloodshed,” he said, adding: “American weapons

Today, the United States clearly pushes (Ukrainian authorities) towards new bloodshed.

can lead to new victims” in the neighbouring country.

The US State Department a n nou nc e d F r i d ay that Washington had “decided to provide Ukraine enhanced defensive capabilities as part of our effort to help Ukraine build its long-term defence capacity.”

An ABC news report before the announcement said the US planned to supply Ukraine with anti- tank missiles, including possibly the advanced Javelin syst em, ci t ing four S tate Department officials.

“The total defence package of US$ 47 million includes the sale of 210 anti- tank missiles and 35 launchers,” the report added.

Another Russian deputy foreign minister, Grigory Karasin, said the US move would undermine ef forts to reach a pol it ical settlement in Ukraine.

“Essential ly this decision undermi ne s t he work to implement the 2 015 Minsk agreements,” Karasin told TASS state news agency, referring to a Western-brokered peace deal.

He said Washington chose to support ‘ the party of war’ in Kiev.

“This is unacceptable,” he added.

He reiterated Russia’s position that Ukrainian authorities should negotiate with Kremlinbacked rebels through “honest and direct dialogue.”

“There is no other way to solve the internal Ukrainian conflict.”

The leaders of France and Germany, two other countries involved in the Minsk talks called Saturday for honouring the ceasefire and working for peace.

“There is no alternative to an exclusively peaceful settlement o f the conf l ic t ,” G erman Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement issued by the Elysee, referring to “the recent unacceptable increase of ceasefire violations”.

For its part Ukraine welcomed Washington’s ‘ long- awaited’ decision, saying it would help contain ‘ the aggressor.’ — AFP

Sergei Ryabkov, Russian deputy foreign minister