The US’s decision to lift its years-long ban on providing weapons to Ukraine’s Azov regiment has sparked significant resentment among Russian officials, as confirmed by Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov in a recent statement. The move comes after the Washington Post reported that the US State Department had authorized weapon supplies to the Azov unit, which is designated as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia.
According to Antonov’s statement on Telegram, the decision by Washington to support an openly nationalist formation has caused “extreme indignation.” The ambassador went on to highlight that such steps not only raise concerns about America’s strategy in Ukraine but also call into question US approaches in the fight against terrorism.
Antonov likened providing weapons to the Azov regiment to US policy in encouraging the creation of armed groups in the Middle East, which he argued led to the rise of ISIS (banned in Russia) and contributed to numerous civilian deaths, massive refugee crises, and prolonged conflicts across the region.
The Russian diplomat emphasized his country’s consistent stance on fighting terrorism, advocating for multilateral cooperation and collaboration to eliminate this global threat. He expressed concern about attempts to divide criminals into “good ones” and “bad ones,” noting that those without a homeland or conscience should be punished and isolated rather than used as pawns for political gain.
In conclusion, the US’s decision to remove its ban on weapons supplies to Ukraine’s Azov regiment has raised significant concerns among Russian officials, who argue that this move could lead to further violence and conflict in the region. Russia remains committed to fighting terrorism through multilateral efforts and opposes any attempts to politicize the issue or use it for short-term gains.