Russian state-run television recently experienced a glaring moment of indiscretion amid escalating global tensions. Or was it intentional?
According to Newsweek, a Kremlin-backed channel broadcast the countries Moscow could transfer long-range missiles to after President Biden greenlit Kyiv's use of limited strikes into Russian territory with U.S. weapons:
Moscow could “start supplying the same high-precision, long-range missiles, except they'll be of better quality, since they're Russian, to those nations that are ready to strike our enemies,” Russian state media host, Olga Skabeyeva, said in remarks translated by the Russian Media Monitor project run by journalist Julia Davis.
The White House's decision to lift restrictions limiting Kyiv's ability to strike Russian territory came as Russian forces marched within striking distance of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second city.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a visit to the Czech capital, Prague, on May 31 that Ukraine had for weeks requested the go-ahead to use U.S.-provided weapons against forces inside Russia after Moscow opened the new front in Kharkiv.
Prior to the announcement, key NATO members had advocated for the lifting of restrictions on Kyiv's ability to strike Russian territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly open to a cease-fire along the current frontlines, condemned the move and labeled it an “escalation.”
Highlighting several countries on a map, Skabeyeva suggested Moscow could send missiles to Houthi rebels in Yemen and weapons to several other nations.
“We were thinking about where our missiles could go, into which friendly jurisdictions” said state media host, Evgeny Popov.
Earlier this month, Putin echoed his propagandists' threats by saying he would consider sending Russian-manufactured weapons abroad in response to a then-hypothetical development.
“Now let the U.S. and its allies feel the direct impact of the use of Russian weapons by third parties,” Putin lackey and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev added. “This could be anyone who considers ‘Yankeeland' as their enemy, regardless of their political beliefs or international recognition,” he added.
Russia has already transferred tactical nuclear weapons to its neighbor, Belarus.
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