Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with Russia 1 TV channel journalist Pavel Zarubin, commented on the situation in Ukraine, including the decision of the US authorities to send new weapons to Kyiv.

This is stated in a published fragment of an interview on the Russia 1 TV channel.

“Their air defense systems are cracking like nuts, dozens have been destroyed,” the Russian leader noted. 

Recall that earlier US President Joe Biden announced the allocation of a new package of military assistance to Ukraine, which includes the supply of HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems and ammunition.

At the same time, Moscow has repeatedly noted that the supply of weapons by the West to Kyiv only delays the hostilities.

In particular, in early May, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted that the United States and its NATO allies continue to pump weapons into Ukraine.

“I note that any transport of the North Atlantic Alliance that arrived on the territory of the country with weapons or materiel for the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces is considered by us as a legitimate target for destruction,” he said during a conference call.

At the same time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Kyiv's demands to the West for the supply of multiple launch rocket systems a provocation.

“What the Kyiv regime requires, and so categorically, in a businesslike way, I would say, from its Western patrons, firstly, goes beyond all the limits of decency and diplomatic communication, and secondly, this is a direct provocation aimed at to involve the West in hostilities,” the minister said.

Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, also drew attention to the fact that US arms supplies to the Ukrainian side put off the prospect of an early peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

She recalled that the package of "assistance" to Ukraine announced by the US administration included, among other things, four Mi-17 helicopters, which Moscow had previously transferred to Washington for operation exclusively in Afghanistan, which was legally fixed.

“The behavior of the United States is a blatant example of a policy of double standards, when Washington fulfills only the agreements that are convenient for it at this particular moment.

Not to mention the fact that this obvious violation of international law ultimately contributes to prolonging the conflict in Ukraine, ”the diplomat noted.

Over 20,000 people evacuated in Russia in a day

Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev, head of the National Defense Control Center of the Russian Federation, said that 20,167 people, including 2,695 children, were evacuated to Russia from dangerous regions of Ukraine and the Donbass republics over the past day.

He clarified that more than 9.5 thousand temporary accommodation centers operate in the Russian regions, and the necessary assistance is provided to the arriving refugees.

Mizintsev also noted that Russia continues to supply humanitarian aid to Ukraine - essentials, vital medicines and food packages.

“Starting from March 2, the Russian Federation has already delivered 26,225.3 tons of essential items to Ukraine ... 1,103 humanitarian actions have been carried out,” he added.

Mizintsev also said that the demining detachments of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Emergency Situations continue to clear the territories of the DPR and LPR from explosive objects.

RT correspondent Maxim al-Turi showed footage of work on demining the territories liberated from the militants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Soldiers with dogs check the area for unexploded ordnance, and also use sapper vehicles.