27-9-2023 (MOSCOW) The Kremlin stated on Tuesday that the United States’ provision of long-range ATACMS missiles and Abrams tanks to Ukraine would have no bearing on the situation on the battlefield. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, made the remarks during a routine news briefing, emphasizing that the Russian armed forces were constantly adapting to the utilization of new weaponry in what Moscow refers to as its special military operation (SVO) in Ukraine.
Peskov asserted, “All of this will in no way affect the essence of the SVO or its outcome. There is no universal solution or singular weapon that can alter the balance of power on the battlefield.”
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that US-made Abrams tanks had arrived in the country. These jet-powered tanks were a key request from Kyiv, and Washington fulfilled the demand by offering over 30 of them in January.
Peskov, referring to other Western tanks supplied to Kyiv, such as the German-made Leopards and British Challengers, remarked, “Abrams tanks are formidable weapons, but let us not forget what the president said about tanks from another country. Well, these Abrams tanks will burn as well.”
Kyiv has persistently urged the Biden administration to provide Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to aid in attacking and disrupting supply lines, air bases, and rail networks in Russian-occupied territories.
Last Friday, NBC News, citing US officials, reported that President Joe Biden had informed Zelenskiy of Washington’s intention to supply Kyiv with ATACMS long-range missiles.
Both the White House and the Pentagon declined to comment on the NBC report. The Pentagon also refrained from confirming whether any commitments regarding ATACMS were made to Zelenskiy during his meetings at the Pentagon last Thursday.
Peskov noted, “The Americans are continually escalating their direct involvement in this conflict, but naturally, our military is enhancing its skills and technical capabilities to counter these missiles.”
