Russia sharpens warnings as the U.S. and Europe send more weapons to Ukraine

In this image taken from footage provided by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry Press Service, Ukrainian soldiers use a launcher with U.S. Javelin missiles during military exercises in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, on Jan. 12. The U.S. and NATO allies have been ramping up military aid to help Ukraine fend off Russian forces. (krainian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

MOSCOW — As the U.S. and Europe boost military aid to Ukraine, Russian authorities have escalated warnings and criticism, arguing the aid is not only fueling the conflict but also boosting the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO powers.

In some ways, Russian criticism over foreign military assistance to Ukraine is not new. Russian President Vladimir Putin seized on the delivery of Western arms to Kyiv as part of his rationale to launch what he insists is a limited "special military operation" in February.