Russia's intention to increase arms supplies to Donbas a sign of direct aggression – Ukrainian Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, political statements are made in Russia regarding the supply of weapons to Donbas if Ukraine receives military aid from the United States.

"However, Russia has been waging war against Ukraine for the seventh year in a row. The number of weapons and military hardware in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is known: over 480 tanks; over 900 armored vehicles; about 450 guns and howitzers; about 300 mortars; about 210 multiple-launch rocket systems; about 700 air defense systems; about 450 anti-tank weapons. Russia uses all these weapons in hostilities against Ukraine. Russian weapons were brought to Ukraine through an uncontrolled part of the border of our state," the ministry said.

According to the statement, since the beginning of the aggression, these weapons and military hardware have been used not only against servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other military formations, but also against the civilian population of Donbas.

"Therefore, if Russia wants to increase the supply of weapons, this is a sign of direct armed aggression and support for terrorist activities at the state level," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry added.

According to the statement, Ukraine, in accordance with international agreements, receives technical assistance from partner countries, and this year's situation is no exception. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry thanked international partners for their support in the fight against the aggressor state.

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