Russia considers the decision of the authorities of North Macedonia to donate T-72 tanks “a big mistake” UkraineThis was reported by the press secretary of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Maria Zakharova.

“Although this is outdated equipment, the fact remains that Skopje is a loyal ally of NATO and is engaged in the supply of weapons to Ukraine, thereby contributing to the continuation of the criminal activities of the Kyiv regime against the civilian population of Donbass,” the message says. Zakharova added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of North Macedonia, responding to these statements by a representative of the Russian ministry, indicated that “North Macedonia is a sovereign state that independently makes decisions, guided by the principles of respect for international law. , the UN Charter, the principles and commitments of the OSCE to protect the architecture of European security and global stability”.

North Macedonia, a new NATO member, announced last week that it is sending T-72 tanks to the Ukrainian military as Skopje prepares to modernize its military.

The Ministry of Defense of North Macedonia did not specify the number of these tanks sent to Ukraine. These are battle tanks that Skopje bought in 2001 from Ukraine.

The government of North Macedonia unequivocally condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while at the same time largely following the EU decisions on this issue and imposing sanctions against Russia.

Source: RES-IPE