3rd countries at risk of getting pulled into Ukraine war, Russia warns

MOSCOW

Third countries face the risk of involving themselves in the war in Ukraine if they follow that country's "demands," Russia warned on Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Kyiv of taking "provocative steps" to draw Western nations into the conflict.

"Such risks certainly exist. What the Kyiv regime demands from its Western patrons goes beyond the bounds of decency and is a provocation aimed at involving the West in military actions," Lavrov said.

There are some politicians in Europe who are willing to join the conflict, Lavrov asserted, adding, however, that "serious countries understand the risks of such scenarios."

"Our position on this matter has been brought to the Western countries, they know it well," he said.

Lavrov also noted that Russia had reached an agreement with Türkiye on clearing mines in Ukraine's ports to ensure the export of grains.

He said Moscow made it a condition that such an operation should not be carried out in way that strengthens Ukraine and damages Russia's position.

The minister stressed once again that Russia is not hindering the export of Ukraine's grains. According to him, the problem lies in the lack of a free exit from the country's ports due to minefields laid by Ukraine's military.

"In addition, there is a problem with the export of Russian grain. Although the West loudly reminds that grain has not been sanctioned, ships that carry grain have been sanctioned -- they are not accepted at ports and are not insured, all logistics and financial chains related to grain exports have been sanctioned," he noted.

US President Joe Biden announced new arms deliveries to Ukraine on Wednesday, including more advanced rocket systems and munitions.

According to UN estimates, at least 4,113 civilians have been killed and 4,916 injured in Ukraine since the war began on Feb. 24, with the true toll believed to be much higher.

Over 6.8 million people have fled to other countries, while more than 7.7 million have been internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.