North Macedonia 'Fostering' Ukraine's 'Criminal Activity' By Sending T-72 Tanks To Kyiv: Russia

KEY POINTS

North Macedonia's defense ministry authorized the shipment of T-72 tanks
Macedonia's senior officials reportedly said Ukraine will receive “third-generation” tanks
Ukraine has been receiving weapons from the U.S. and other Western countries also

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Tuesday slammed North Macedonia's move of sending T-72 tanks to Ukraine.

The decision of supplying Kyiv with the tanks was announced last month.

"We consider this (sending of tanks) a major mistake on the part of North Macedonia," Zakharova said, according to Eurasian Times. "Being driven by the spirit of its allegiance to NATO, Skopje has been playing a role in pumping Ukraine with weapons, thus fostering the Kyiv regime’s criminal activity against Donbas civilians."

Zakharova also urged the countries, who support democracy, to stop meddling in the situation in Ukraine in order to reduce further tensions in the region.

On July 29, Serbian National Television reported the Defense Ministry of North Macedonia authorized the shipment of T-72 tanks to Ukraine.

Macedonia's senior officials reportedly said Ukraine will receive “third-generation” tanks that were part of a unit about to be dismantled. The decision was part of an initiative by North Macedonia to acquire modern weapons and equipment, making the Soviet-era tanks uncompetitive, the Defense Post reported.

Ukraine has been receiving weapons from the U.S. and other Western countries in order to fight Russia, which invaded Kyiv on Feb. 24.

On Monday, the U.S. announced it was sending a new $550 million package to Ukraine. The latest supply will "include more ammunition for the high mobility advanced rocket systems otherwise known as HIMARS, as well as ammunition" for artillery, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, according to AFP.

"To meet its evolving battlefield requirements, the United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with key capabilities," the statement said.

The total of military assistance committed to Ukraine since President Joe Biden took office has reached more than $8.8 billion with the latest package, according to the Pentagon.

Meanwhile, Russia recently accused the U.S. of being directly involved in the conflict. Russia’s defense ministry said Washington is not just supplying Kyiv with arms, but its intelligence officials are interacting with Ukraine's counterparts ahead of the strikes carried out by Ukraine's forces, according to Al Jazeera.