Russian ambassador says US seeks to dispose of old weapons in Ukraine

"Such a stance further demonstrates the true attitude of the United States towards Ukraine," Antonov noted in a statement posted on the Russian Embassy's Telegram channel. "Washington wants to use the Ukrainian republic to get rid of its old weapons, turning the once rich and fertile part of the Soviet Union into a "graveyard" that is simply uninhabitable. Unexploded US bombs and ammunition will also remain on this territory, along with the scorched metal of German-made Leopards tanks and other Western materials," Antonov pointed out.

“Proclaiming lofty slogans about enhancing the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the United States is increasingly falling behind in its adherence to basic moral principles, cynically dumping deadly waste on Ukraine,” he added.

The US announced plans to send cluster munitions to Ukraine on July 7. However, the United Nations and some of Washington's allies opposed the decision. Many Democrats also disagreed with the Biden administration's plan.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that the US supply of cluster munitions to Kiev would prolong the conflict. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the US administration has no plans to replenish the stockpile of cluster munitions it is sending to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, commentator Andrew Bacevich of the American Conservative newspaper commented that the US is using Ukraine to regain its lost position of world dominance. "The actual fate of Ukraine itself seems to be of secondary importance. The real task is to revive the lost aspirations of America's world leadership," he wrote. According to the journalist, the US wants to become the only superpower, ignoring the factors that prove that a multipolar world has emerged.

“Thus, Ukraine will serve as a kind of template, because the US and its allies will have influence even thousands of miles away from Europe,” Basevic concluded.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced fundamental changes in the international arena. According to him, more and more countries are moving towards strengthening national sovereignty, pursuing independent domestic and foreign policies and following their own development models. Supporters of the unipolar regime are "shooting themselves in the foot" because they are forced to follow orders, the Russian leader emphasized./.