Lavrov’s threats against Kyiv will result in greater aid for Ukraine - US congressman
Photo: Member of the US House Intelligence Committee Jim Himes (facebook.com/RepJimHimes)
Threats by Sergey Lavrov against foreign diplomats in Kyiv demonstrate Russia’s complete deadlock on the battlefield, US Congressman Jim Himes states during a briefing in Kyiv.
Member of the US House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Jim Himes said that Sergey Lavrov’s threats mean three things.
First, he said, they are a sign of complete deadlock, since for the first time in a long while, Russia is losing ground in Ukraine by overall indicators.
Himes said the Russian people should consider the sacrifice they are being asked to make — their own blood and the lives of their sons — for the sake of a mad dictator who is losing ground in Ukraine.
He added that in the coming months, Ukrainian forces would continue reclaiming territory and that this would come at an enormous cost to Russia.
Second, according to the congressman, the threats reflect the mindset of someone comfortable committing war crimes.
He stressed that threats against civilians and diplomats show how easily Russia chooses hospitals, maternity wards, and nongovernmental organizations delivering aid to communities along the front line as targets.
According to Himes, the third effect will be the exact opposite of what Moscow expects. The congressman said he was already planning another trip to Kyiv and would return to Washington with a senator to push for additional resources for Ukraine.
"Everything that Sergey Lavrov represents is exactly what free people must fight against," he concluded.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that on May 25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, threatened new strikes on Kyiv and called on foreign diplomats to leave the city.
Moscow announced "systematic strikes" on targets in the capital.
In response, Ukraine described the Russian statements as blackmail and a provocation demonstrating Moscow’s interest in prolonging the war.
