The United States is directly involved in the conflict in Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says

Statements made by Vadim Skibitsky, a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, confirm that the United States is directly involved in the ongoing conflict there, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

In an interview with the Telegraph published on Monday, Skibitsky refused to answer questions about whose satellites are used to confirm targets for US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. He did acknowledge, however, that they consult with Washington before launching strikes and that Washington has veto power over decision-making.

"No other confirmation of the direct involvement of the United States in hostilities on the territory of Ukraine is required," Zakharova said on Tuesday, because the US doesn't just arm and train Ukrainian forces but essentially shoots the weapons themselves.

Zakharova stressed that the US is directly involved and that its distance from the situation is irrelevant.

"They are fully involved. Now Kiev representatives are talking about their military involvement not only through the supply of weapons, but through personnel management in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, direct instructions and the choice of targets," Zakharova added.

Speculation has been ongoing about Washington's involvement in the conflict. For example, in April French journalist Georges Malbrunot went viral on social media after claiming to have seen first-hand that Americans are "in charge" of the Ukrainian war effort on the ground.

However, he stressed that this was not an official involvement as it was American mercenaries that he met in Ukraine. Nevertheless, skeptics have questioned the veracity of promises by US officials to avoid direct involvement or so-called "boots on the ground."

Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, citing Kiev's failure to implement the Minsk agreements, designed to give the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk special status within the Ukrainian state. The protocols, brokered by Germany and France, were first signed in 2014. Former Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko has since admitted that Kiev's main goal was to use the ceasefire to buy time and "create powerful armed forces."

In February 2022, the Kremlin recognized the Donbass republics as independent states and demanded that Ukraine officially declare itself a neutral country that will never join any Western military bloc. Kiev insists the Russian offensive was completely unprovoked.

(RT.com)