Russia Prepared For Confrontation With West Over Ukraine, Says Lavrov: 'If They Want It To Be On The Battlefield, It Will Be On The Battlefield'

Russia has issued a warning to the West, indicating its readiness for a potential military confrontation in Ukraine.

What Happened: Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia is prepared for a battlefield conflict in Ukraine if the West desires, as reported by Reuters on Monday. This statement comes amid reports of Russian forces attacking the border of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.

If the West wants to fight for Ukraine on the battlefield, Russia is prepared for it, Lavrov was quoted as saying by the state-run RIA news agency.

“It’s their right – if they want it to be on the battlefield, it will be on the battlefield.”

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The governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, revealed that Russian forces are attempting to expand the front line by launching attacks in small groups in new directions. While Ukrainian forces have managed to hold back the Russian troops, there is a genuine concern that the conflict could spread to new settlements.

Why It Matters: This recent development adds to the escalating tensions between Russia and the West. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned of a potential global conflict during the World War 2 Victory Day celebrations.

He accused Western powers of instigating conflicts worldwide and emphasized Russia’s determination to prevent a global clash.

These warnings come in the wake of Russia’s military advances in Ukraine and other provocative actions, such as the arrest of a U.S. soldier on theft charges.

The situation is further complicated by Russia’s strained relations with the West, as evidenced by Chinese President Xi Jinping‘s recent visit to Serbia, where he avoided the site of the former Chinese embassy bombed by NATO forces.

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