US discussions on strikes against Russia heighten concerns of World War III Russian envoy warns

Anatoly Antonov, Russia's Ambassador to the United States, has raised alarm over recent US discussions about the potential use of Western weaponry to strike Russian territory, suggesting that such talks could escalate tensions towards a global conflict.

In a statement delivered in Washington, Antonov criticized the US administration for its stance, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"The administration stubbornly disregards Russia’s interests. There is an increasing talk about the possibility of attacks on Russian territory using long-range weapons. Only a few politicians mention the possibility of World War III, which the local authorities are paving the way for," the envoy said.

Antonov expressed concerns that the West is testing Russia's tolerance for aggressive actions and is anticipating a strategic defeat, which he believes is unrealistic. He dismissed the effectiveness of current Western military technology, including F-16 fighter jets, air defense systems, and HIMARS, as insufficient to achieve their goals.

The remarks come amid rising tensions and military developments. Notably, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his visit to Kyiv, is expected to officially authorize Ukraine to use American ATACMS missiles for strikes against Russia. This move is seen as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.