Russia Warns of Escalation as Ukraine’s Military Struggles on the Battlefield

Kokcha News Agency: Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has issued a stark warning, stating that Moscow considers itself justified in using weapons against military facilities in countries that enable Ukraine to attack deep into Russian territory. This comes as Ukraine’s military struggles on the battlefield become more evident.

Zakharova also addressed the stalled negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, noting that Kyiv has either avoided or failed to set a timeline for the next round of talks. While Moscow has not received any signals from Kyiv regarding a third round of negotiations, the Russian delegation is prepared to enter talks in Istanbul.

In response to comments by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius about the readiness of the German army to kill Russian soldiers in the event of a “NATO attack,” Zakharova called the remarks “barbaric” and reiterated that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO.

Zakharova also criticized the idea of a “coalition of volunteer countries” forming “multinational forces” as a preparation for intervention, stating that such forces in Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russia.

The defense agreements discussed at the Moldova-EU summit indicate that the West, with the help of Chisinau authorities, is seeking to turn Moldova into a springboard against Russia.

Regarding the 2025 Moldovan parliamentary elections, Zakharova stated that Russia has the necessary conditions to establish additional polling stations and is ready to cooperate in opening them. She accused Chisinau of refusing to open additional polling stations in Russia as a policy to exclude the votes of some migrants.

Zakharova also warned that Moscow is prepared to respond to any scenario regarding the situation around Transnistria, including the most unfavorable ones.

She noted that Kyiv’s tendency to respond with terror is only increasing.

Finally, Zakharova criticized the EU’s readiness to “invest” in Armenia, stating that it is not driven by a desire to develop the country but rather by an intent to interfere in its affairs.

Russia’s warnings and accusations highlight the escalating tensions in the region, with Moscow prepared to respond to any perceived threats or interventions in its sphere of influence.