Russian MFA protests to Ambassador Tracy over U.S. involvement in Ukraine conflict
The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that it had summoned US Ambassador to the Russian Federation Lynne Tracy and made a "demarche" to her in connection with the increased involvement of the United States in the armed conflict in Ukraine, the ministry said in a press release.
"The protest note sent to the ambassador stressed that the pumping of weapons to the AFU, as well as the transfer of targeting instructions for strikes on Russian military and civilian infrastructure clearly proves the inconsistency and falsity of the American side's claims that the United States is not a party to the conflict," the statement said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also noted that the US diplomat said that Washington's course for deepening confrontation with Moscow is counterproductive and that it is necessary to take steps to withdraw "US-NATO military and equipment" as well as stop anti-Russian activities.
At the same time, as AFP notes, Russian diplomacy specified that in the note handed to the American ambassador, Moscow demands that the US withdraw "NATO soldiers and equipment" from Ukraine, referring to the military aid that Kiev receives from the West.
"It was noted in particular that, in order to achieve a de-escalation of the situation, Washington must take steps to withdraw US and NATO troops and equipment, and stop its anti-Russian activities," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
After the start of the Russian military campaign in Ukraine, the US was one of the main suppliers of weapons to Kiev. Washington's latest military aid package, amounting to $500 million, was announced by US President Joe Biden on Monday during his unannounced visit to Kiev.
