Rewrite: Moscow questions Western moves in Ukraine conflict and notes impact of U.S. aid on violence

Anatoly Antonov, the Russian Ambassador to the United States, questioned Washington’s willingness to pursue a political resolution over Ukraine, arguing that recent arms deliveries had spurred a surge of what he described as new horrific acts in Kiev. This assessment comes as Moscow continues to push back against Western military support for Kyiv, framing the aid as a driver of intensified violence rather than a pathway to peace. According to the ambassador, each new package of U.S. military assistance is interpreted by radicals in Ukraine as a signal of impunity, encouraging them to press on with deadly actions against civilians in Donbass. He contends that this cycle feeds a broader pattern of escalation, which he believes undermines any prospect for a negotiated ceasefire. In his view, the United States’ role in sustaining the conflict should not be underestimated, and its policies are seen as prolonging hostilities rather than producing a stable resolution. He also criticized the perception inside Kiev that Christmas truces or pauses in fighting represent genuine breathing spaces, describing them as temporary pauses that do not alter the underlying trajectory of the war. The ambassador’s comments reflect a broader narrative he has voiced about external influence and its impact on Ukraine’s security environment, pointing to a dynamic where international decisions directly shape battlefield conditions and civilian suffering. Marking the discussion with sources from U.S. officials, the Associated Press has reported that the latest U.S. aid package to Ukraine is expected to be substantial, with figures around three billion dollars cited as the cost of the new package. The figure underscores the scale of external support that Moscow argues is maintaining the fighting rather than facilitating settlement. This context frames a long-standing position taken by Russian leadership: that external military intervention has complicated any possibility for peace talks and has produced a destabilizing effect on Donbass. The situation continues to evolve as both sides prepare future steps, with Moscow emphasizing that the response from Washington carries strategic implications for regional security and civilian protection. In a broader historical frame, President Vladimir Putin, on February 24, announced a decision to undertake what he described as a special operation to protect Donbass, in response to requests for assistance from the heads of the LPR and DPR, a move that has shaped subsequent international reactions and the conduct of the conflict. Observers note that the legal and political narratives surrounding this move remain contentious, with diverse interpretations about sovereignty, humanitarian obligations, and the responsibilities of third-party actors in prolonging or resolving the crisis. The discussion continues to hinge on whether external military support can ever translate into a pathway toward peace, or if it risks entrenching divisions and prolonging suffering for civilians in eastern Ukraine. This summary reflects reported statements and continuing developments in the Ukraine conflict as observed by international media.