Kremlin warns Europe’s plan to lift arms range limits for Ukraine may spark serious escalation

Spokesman for the Russian president Dmitry Peskov has criticised reports that European countries are set to remove restrictions on the range of weapons which are supplied to Ukraine, calling the move a serious escalation if confirmed. 

Peskov said, “If this is indeed the case, then it is an escalation - a serious escalation,” Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.  

He noted that it remains unclear whether the reports about lifting these restrictions are true.

“On May 26, [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz said the decision had been made. However, he didn’t mention the Americans, only Europeans plus Britain. On the same day, a member of the cabinet denied this. But yesterday or late last night, Merz insisted that such a decision was made several months ago,” Peskov said.

If the decision has indeed been made, Peskov reiterated, it represents a serious escalation that “most strongly contradicts the current efforts toward a peaceful resolution.”

He also pointed out that all European weapons contain components made in the United States.

“Under arms trade regulations, any country must authorize the use of a French missile that contains an American microchip. That’s how the system works,” Peskov explained.

When asked by reporters whether this means the Americans are aware if such a decision has indeed been made by the Europeans, Peskov replied, “Of course.” Reporters then asked Peskov why he thinks there is currently an increase in “information pressure” from Europe.

“We see that the Europeans are not standing in the way of peace. Instead, they are blocking peace efforts by escalating pressure on Russia. They still dream that pressure can force Russia to yield, rather than listening to Russia’s concerns. This is probably the greatest illusion one could have on the European continent,” Peskov said. 

He added that European actions in no way contribute to peaceful efforts.

By Naila Huseynova