Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning against crossing Moscow's "red lines" concerning the Ukraine conflict.
Lavrov's remarks on Wednesday, suggest increasing tensions between the two powers as Washington ramps up military support for Kyiv.
In an interview, Lavrov stated that the US has already "crossed their own red lines" by supplying arms to Ukraine.
"They (the US) should understand that our red lines are nothing to fool with. And they know very well where they are," he asserted.
Lavrov added that the United States is "starting to lose its sense of mutual restraint with Russia," a development he described as "dangerous."
Lavrov referenced comments made by John Kirby, the US National Security Council spokesman, who warned of the risks of escalating support for Ukraine. "Kirby said that the issue of stepping up support for Ukraine should be approached carefully so as not to provoke World War III because it will be sad to see Europe gone," Lavrov said. He criticised what he called the US's "deep-seated conviction that they are untouchable."
The Russian Foreign Minister also expressed hope that "reasonable people with significant influence" in Washington would prevail, saying, "I hope that the interests of the US will be taken into account" when considering further actions regarding Ukraine.
US's responds to Lavrov's warning
Reacting to Lavrov's remarks, Kirby maintained that the US is open to any nation willing to assist in ending the conflict in Ukraine.
"Any nation that is willing to try to help end this war and do so in keeping with President Zelenskyy's prerogatives, the Ukrainian people's prerogatives, his plan for a just peace, we would certainly welcome a role like that," Kirby said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Putin’s diplomatic outreach
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin named India among the countries he is in constant communication with over the Ukraine issue, highlighting their efforts to mediate the conflict.
"We respect our friends and partners, who, I believe, sincerely seek to resolve all issues surrounding this conflict, primarily China, Brazil and India," Putin said.
Putin's comments followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ukraine, where he urged direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the war.
Modi also expressed India's willingness to play an "active role" in restoring peace.
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