Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday during a news conference after the G20 summit in Brazil has called the use of the ATACMS ballistic missiles in Russia's Bryansk region a signal that the West is seeking an escalation of the Ukraine conflict.
"You ask me a question, how do I know that what the New York Times published is true or an attempt to test the waters? I don't know. The fact that ATACMS missiles were used repeatedly in the Bryansk region tonight is, of course, a signal that they want an escalation," Lavrov said.
The minister noted he could not confirm information that the US allowed Kiev to strike deep into Russia, adding that there were some reports, but there was no official confirmation from the US.
Russia will respond accordingly to the US decision to allow Kiev to strike deep into Russian territory, Lavrov said, adding that he hopes the West will carefully study Russia's updated nuclear doctrine.
In addition, the minister said that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's refusal to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine is a responsible approach.
"I think this position [of refusing to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine] of Scholz is a responsible position," Lavrov said.
This position also differs from the position of both the UK and France, he added.
Earlier in the day, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that the country's position on not allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons has not changed.