U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday that the United States will not send missile systems to Ukraine that can reach Russia.
The remarks followed reports that the Biden administration was preparing to send long-range missile systems to Kiev.
Ukrainian officials have sought longer-range systems known as multiple-launch missile systems (M.L.R.S.) that can launch a barrage of missiles that travel hundreds of miles.
CNN and The Washington Post reported Friday that the Biden administration tends to send this and another system known as the fast-moving H.I.M.A.R.S. as part of a larger military aid package for Ukraine.
It was unclear what missile system Biden was referring to in his remarks.
Two days ago, after leaks and insinuations by U.S. officials of U.S. intention to supply Ukrainian forces with advanced and long-range missiles, Russia renewed its warnings that such steps constitute a clear provocation and escalation.
The Russian ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, warned the United States not to supply Kiev with long-range missile weapons. He said his country hopes that the right and rational thinking of the U.S. side will prevail, Novosti reported.
Russia was currently proceeding from the statement of the Official Representative of the Pentagon, John Kirby, that the final decision on the issue had not yet been made.
"We hope that Washington will not take such a provocative step."
Antonov also revealed that Moscow has repeatedly told Washington through diplomatic channels that Kiev's unprecedented pumping of arms increases the risk of escalating the conflict.
Americans are aware that such steps delay and hinder the Peace Process between Russia and Ukraine, he said.
Since the start of the Russian military operation on the territory of ukraine's western neighbor, America, as well as many European countries, has provided Kiev with tanks, defense systems, anti-tank and aircraft, as well as missiles and vehicles, to confront Russian forces.