РУССКИЙ
22:45 19.11.2024 •
Photo: MFA
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a media question regarding authorisation for striking deep into Russian territory with long-range missiles, Rio de Janeiro, November 19, 2024.
Question: At the summit, did you engage in discussions with representatives from other nations – whether Western or allied – concerning the reported authorisation by the Americans to target our territory with long-range missiles? If so, what perspectives did you encounter? In your view, why has neither the American President nor the Secretary of State officially announced this decision, despite the alleged permission and the discussions surrounding it?
Six ATACMS missiles struck the Bryansk Region. Their precise modification remains unidentified. In your estimation, what could this imply? Is there a connection to the aforementioned discussions regarding permission?
Sergey Lavrov: How can I ascertain whether the report by The New York Times is accurate or merely an exploratory attempt? I do not possess such knowledge. The multiple use of ATACMS in the Bryansk Region last night signals a desire for escalation. Utilising these sophisticated missiles without American involvement is unfeasible. President Vladimir Putin has frequently addressed this issue, cautioning how our stance will shift should the long-range capability (up to 300 kilometres), which is currently under speculation, receive approval.
In reality, this does not constitute an "approval" for Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles, but rather an announcement of their intention to strike targets up to 300 kilometres away. I am unable to confirm this, as reports seem to treat it as a foregone conclusion.
Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stated it is "now an official matter." The Europeans have deliberated and resolved that each nation will independently decide whether to permit their long-range armaments to be utilised by the Ukrainians.
I shall refrain from speculating on that. Today, we have officially released the Fundamentals of the Nuclear Doctrine of the Russian Federation. All pertinent details are confirmed therein and have been codified into law. President Vladimir Putin publicly articulated this on September 12, 2024. I trust that this doctrine will be comprehensively read, not selectively as they do with the UN Charter, but in its entirety and in context.
Someone inquired of me in private, on the fly: is it true? I responded that I do not know if it is true or not.
Our concern is our national security. Everything that those contemplating this need to be aware of has been communicated officially, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has affirmed, and it has been officially documented.
read more in our Telegram-channel https://t.me/The_International_Affairs
