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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who arrived here in New York City yesterday, has sent a note to NATO countries with respect to them continuing to arm Ukraine:
"Any cargos that contain arms for Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russia."
Now, perhaps this wording is an incorrect translation; I am working to verify it. BUT . . . . the Russian Foreign Minister has __never__ used ambiguous language like this before; at least not in all my years of watching, paying attention, analyzing, and reporting.
The problem with this language is the word "cargos."
Cargo is what is on, and being transported by, a truck, plane, train, or ship.
So for Russia to say "Any cargos that contain arms for Ukraine" is almost repetitive. It seems to me the "cargo" WOULD BE the arms for Ukraine. But perhaps smaller shipments on a truck, plane, train, or ship, might also be "arms for Ukraine." It seems to me that what Russia is TRYING to say is that the Truck, plane, train, or ship would be a legitimate target.
This would be a gigantic change - and escalation - to the present situation between Russia and NATO.
If Russian subs start sinking ships on the high seas because their cargoes contain . . . . well, that will cause a gigantic fight.
Similarly, if Russian fighter jets are ordered to start downing air liners, or MILITARY CARGO PLANES somewhere, because they "contain cargo with arms for Ukraine" then a similar gigantic fight.
So the wording of Lavrov's note to NATO countries is very worrisome. It seems to signal a coming escalation well outside of Ukraine.
More if I get it.
