The US does not want to be 'one side' in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine

The United States does not want to be a party to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and while it intends to continue providing weapons to Ukraine, weapons systems that would allow Ukrainian forces to attack Russia will not be among them, US Ambassador to the United Nations Thomas-Greenfield asserted on May 31.

"We have been clear from the beginning that we will provide Ukraine with weapons to defend itself against Russian aggression. We will not provide weapons that allow Ukraine to attack Russia from inside Ukraine, and President Biden has been clear about that," Thomas-Greenfield said at a press conference marking the end of the US presidency of the United Nations Security Council.

Illustration photo: Reuters

"We will not be a party to this war," the US Ambassador affirmed.

On May 30, President Biden responded to media speculation that the US intended to provide multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Ukraine. He did not provide details, but only said that the US "will not provide Ukraine with missile systems that can attack Russia."

US media outlets have previously reported that the MLRS systems that could be delivered to Ukraine are the M270 or the more modern M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Both systems can launch tactical missiles with a range of up to 300 km.

Russia has repeatedly warned the US and NATO about sending weapons to Ukraine and Western media fear Moscow may retaliate if any system is used to attack Russian territory./.