“We understood that Western countries are working towards an escalation. For our part, we will take all necessary measures to neutralize the threats associated with this escalation”. This was said by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko. Just as his colleague, also number two in diplomacy, Sergey Ryabkov, declined the message, denouncing how “it is not the first time that the Kiev seeks to disrupt the normal functioning of important components of our military systems, including those belonging to the strategic sector. We will thwart all these attempts.”
Kiev hit an anti-missile warning system. “The answers may be asymmetrical”, she added, specifying only that “the USAwho gave Kiev carte blanche to commit any crime, and who do nothing to stop the dangerous and provocative steps of their vassals, they will have to pay a price“.
Meanwhile the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed responsibility for the capture of the small town of Umanske, in the Donetsk region, which had 180 inhabitants before the invasion began. Umanske is located 25 kilometers northwest of Donetsk. On Friday, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced the progress of Russian forces “in tactical directions”, with the capture this year of 880 square kilometers of territory. Russian forces are also pushing in the direction of Pokrovsk, about thirty kilometers northwest of Umanske.
China: “Never fanned the flames of the war between Moscow and Kiev”
Today China also made its voice heard again, following accusations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to which Russia and China were trying to undermine the global peace summit he wanted. Beijing has never “stoked the fires or fanned the flames” of the war between Russia and Ukraine, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said today. The country believes that every effort should be recognized in supporting peace measures in the war between Russia and Ukraine, spokesman Mao Ning said, responding to a question about the next summit to be held in Switzerland in mid-June.
“Unfortunately, Russia – Zelensky declared yesterday – by exploiting Chinese influence in the region and Chinese diplomats, does everything to disturb the peace summit. It is a shame that a large, independent and powerful country like China is an instrument in the hands of Putin”.
China attaches great importance to its relations with Ukraine and remains its main trading partner, Mao said today, adding that China’s position on the peace conference is very “open and transparent.” “We believe we can get everyone’s understanding and support.”
