(MENAFN) Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, has issued a stern warning to Israel, cautioning of potential repercussions if Israel proceeds with reported plans to supply Ukraine with US-manufactured air defense systems. Nebenzia’s remarks come amidst ongoing discussions between the US, Israel, and Ukraine regarding the transfer of up to eight aging Israeli Patriot missile systems to Kiev, as reported by the Financial Times last week, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.

Expressing Moscow’s concerns during its presidency of the UN Security Council, Nebenzia highlighted that such a move could significantly impact relations between Israel and Russia. He emphasized the potential political ramifications of the weapons transfer, suggesting it could destabilize the region further.

"The weapons, regardless of their origin, destined for Ukraine will ultimately be destroyed, as have other Western and US weapons," Nebenzia asserted, reflecting Russia's stance on external military aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Moscow.

Israel initially announced plans in April to retire its aging M901 PAC-2 air defense batteries, which are over three decades old, and replace them with more advanced systems. However, due to heightened tensions with Hezbollah, the decommissioning of these systems has been delayed amid concerns of potential regional escalation.

According to the Financial Times report, the proposed deal involving the Israeli Patriots, which is still pending finalization, could see the systems routed through the US before being delivered to Ukraine. The move comes at a time when Ukraine faces a critical shortage of air defense capabilities amid its ongoing conflict with Russian-backed forces.

Throughout the conflict, Israel has maintained a stance of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine while refraining from direct military involvement. A previous request by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Israel to supply its Iron Dome air defense systems was declined by the Israeli government approximately a year ago.

The developments underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where military alliances and strategic partnerships are being tested amidst ongoing regional conflicts and international diplomatic maneuvering.

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