Russian FM claims Zelenskyy fears Moscow’s response to long-range weapon use

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is fearful of Moscow’s response to Western approval of Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons deep inside Russian territory.

Lavrov made the statement during a press conference following a joint meeting between the Russian and Belarusian Foreign Ministries, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Lavrov suggested that Zelenskyy’s reaction to Russia’s use of a new hypersonic missile, which was launched in response to Ukraine's long-range attacks, indicated his concern. According to Lavrov, Zelenskyy has started to blame his Western allies, accusing them of leaving him defenseless against Russia’s actions.

The Russian foreign minister stated, "Zelenskyy got scared and directly began to accuse his masters of leaving him unarmed in the face of such an action from the Russian Federation." Lavrov noted that this shift in Zelenskyy’s tone could be a "useful result," implying it may indicate growing pressure on Ukraine’s partners.

Meanwhile, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supports the ongoing conflict in Ukraine due to the continuous influx of aid from Western nations.

In an interview with Serbian media, Fico reiterated his longstanding belief that both Western powers and Zelenskyy have vested interests in the continuation of the war.

"I have been defending my opinion for quite a long time, which I repeat," Fico said, pointing to growing evidence that the West seeks to prolong the war in Ukraine for various reasons. "At the end of the day, I think the war suits Zelenskyy because there is constant aid coming to Ukraine," he added.

US President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range American missiles against military targets inside Russia, marking a major policy shift long demanded by Kyiv.

It came in response to North Korea deploying troops to help Moscow's war effort.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently pushed for authorization from Washington to use the powerful Army Tactical Missile System, known by its initials as ATACMS, to hit targets inside Russia.

By Vafa Guliyeva