Newsweek contacted Volodin through the Russian State Duma for comment. He also asked the Ukrainian Defense Ministry to do the same.
Russia accuses NATO
In a post on his official Telegram channel, Volodin did not provide evidence to support his claims, but accused NATO of helping Ukraine choose Russian cities as targets. He mentioned issuing orders to Kiev and agreeing on specific military actions.
“The United States, Germany, England and France are discussing the possibility of carrying out long-range strikes on the territory of our country” – Volodin wrote. – This is nothing more than an attempt to camouflage and hide their direct participation in hostilities. In fact, the United States and its allies are trying to indulge in carrying out acts of missile aggression against Russia.
“At the same time, the Pentagon is analyzing what the possible consequences might be in the event of a nuclear explosion. All this is direct evidence that NATO is actually fighting under the cover of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” Volodin continued.
Newsweek contacted NATO via its website for comment.
“Previously they were advisers and instructors, now they are mercenaries and entire units that use NATO weapons. They determine which cities in our country will be attacked, coordinate military actions and issue orders.
Volodin ended his post by saying: – They are at war with our country.
The Kremlin warns NATO
Earlier this week, the Kremlin said the West had probably already decided to allow Ukraine to conduct long-range strikes on Russian territory. Moscow would have an “appropriate” response if that happened.
Ukraine has been continually pressing the US and UK to drop restrictions on long-range weapons used in strikes inside Russia, fearing it would escalate the conflict.
President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use the missiles to strike targets in Russia, but the range at which they can be fired is limited by the United States..
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. They discussed the Russia-Ukraine war and Zelensky mentioned restrictions on US-supplied weapons.
Zelensky called on the US to lift these restrictions, saying: – We are counting on some decisive decisions […] is very important to us.
Text published in the American magazine “Newsweek”. Title, lead and subtitles by the editors of “Newsweek Polska”.
