Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin today accused NATO of participating in military action in Ukraine, implying that the alliance played a role in taking military decisions, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
Volodin made his accusations a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the West would enter into a direct confrontation with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to strike Russian territory with Western-made long-range weapons. The Russian head of state said that granting such permission would change the nature of the conflict.
Volodin, who did not provide evidence for his claims, said NATO was helping Ukraine choose which Russian cities to attack and plan specific military operations, and that it was giving orders to Kiev on what to do.
"The USA, Germany, Great Britain and France are discussing the possibility of Ukraine striking with long-range weapons on the territory of our country. This is nothing more than an attempt to hide their direct participation in hostilities," Volodin wrote in the Telegram communication application.
"In fact, the USA and its allies are trying to give themselves permission to carry out aggression with missiles against Russia," said the chairman of the State Duma.
Volodin also said that in addition to NATO advisers and instructors, there are also mercenaries operating in Ukraine and there are entire combat units armed with NATO-provided weapons. Reuters notes that it cannot independently confirm whether Volodin's claims are true.
"They (NATO representatives) determine which cities in our country will be attacked, coordinate military operations and give orders. NATO has become a participant in the hostilities in Ukraine. They are fighting against our country," Volodin said.