• 

Following Washington's decison to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Moscow chose not to hold talks with Kiev, Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik. 
 
Ryabkov said that Moscow is ready to study serious initiatives to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, but argued that no one has articulated them so far. In reference to the current situation, after Washington announced supplying tanks and vassals, states are competing to see "who and how much weaponry will supply to Ukraine... it is pointless to talk not only with the Ukronazis, but also with their puppeteers." 

US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that his country would send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. However, US officials stressed that the tanks would be delivered and the training would be complete in several months, which means they won't be in time for Ukraine's "counteroffensive", expected in spring. 

Ryabkov told Sputnik that the decision to send Abrams battle tanks to Kiev was "an extremely destructive step" that has raised more concerns in the global community regarding US and NATO actions. 

US ‘main beneficiary’ of Ukraine crisis

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister added that Washington is largely benefiting from the Ukraine conflict, especially from European countries’ weapon supplies to Kiev.
 
"It is obvious that the United States is not only the main conductor in the Ukraine crisis, but also its main beneficiary. Among other things, Washington considers Ukraine as a testing ground for its military-industrial products, where various weapons systems and methods of their use, including modern, very long-range ones, are being tested… for resistance to Russian weapons," Ryabkov said. 
 
He added that, the process of pulling military equipment out of Europe "for disposal" to Ukraine, Washington expects to impose on the Europeans to purchase new US military products through new, multibillion-dollar contracts.

Read next: West in too deep in Ukraine war, 'can't afford' to lose: Newsweek
 
This "cynical game" "will end badly" for those involved, Ryabkov warned. 
 
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that arms supplies to Ukraine by Western countries testify to their direct and growing involvement in the conflict. 
 
Earlier, Germany committed to sending 14 Leopard 2A6 tanks to Ukraine, after being repeatedly pushed to do so by some of its EU and NATO allies.

It is noteworthy that Moscow sent a note to NATO member states in April 2022, condemning their military aid to Kiev. Moreover, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any arms shipments on Ukrainian territory would be considered "legitimate targets" for Russian forces.

Read next: Arming Ukraine depleted union's weapons stockpiles: EU diplomacy chief