The Kremlin has accused Western countries of a "very dangerous escalation" for permitting Ukraine to use Western-supplied arms to strike Russian territory.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine is a provocation and escalates tensions further, as Sky News reported Friday.
The U.S. defense secretary and Russian defense minister have held a second phone call within just over two weeks, as confirmed by the Pentagon.
The call, initiated by Moscow, saw U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasizing the importance of maintaining open communication lines with his Russian counterpart.
Kremlin Criticizes NATO Summit Decisions, Mocks Biden's Gaffes
During the call, Russia's Ministry of Defense highlighted the discussion on preventing security threats and reducing escalation risks. This follows a previous call on June 25, the first of its kind since March 2023, where Russia's Andrei Belousov warned Austin about the dangers of continued U.S. arms supplies to Ukraine
President Joe Biden's missteps at the NATO summit, including mistakenly introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin" and confusing the names of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, have drawn mockery from Russian officials.
The Russian Foreign Ministry ironically suggested that Biden's errors indicate he is a "pro-Russian candidate controlled by the Kremlin."
Fewer F-16 Jet Shipments To Ukraine
Kyiv is set to receive F-16 fighter jets this summer, but the number will be significantly lower than requested.
Ukraine initially sought 300 jets, but it is expected to receive between 15 and 24 jets, with only six arriving this summer and potentially up to 20 by the end of the year, according to sources familiar with the matter contacted by Bloomberg.
The delays and reduced numbers are due to several logistical and operational challenges. These include issues with spare parts, "a language barrier" between Ukrainian pilots and foreign trainers, and concerns about the availability and vulnerability of Ukrainian runways to Russian attacks.
The introduction of F-16s, a highly anticipated element of the recent NATO summit in Washington, has sparked debate about their strategic value. With the battlefield dynamics shifting towards reliance on cheaper drones and Russia strengthening its air defenses, the effectiveness of these jets is being questioned.
Jim Townsend, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, cautioned against expecting miracles from the F-16s, highlighting the vulnerability of Ukrainian airfields to Russian attacks.
Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT), the manufacturer of the F-16, has stated that it continues to support the U.S. government's response to the conflict in Ukraine.
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