The Kremlin stated today that the use western-made military equipment by militants close to Ukraine, who raided a Russian border region this week, consistent with increasing Western involvement in the war in Ukraine.

The Russian army said yesterday Tuesday that it faced militants who they attacked the Russian border region of Belgorod in armored vehicles the day before, killing more than 70 “Ukrainian nationalists” and pushing those who remained back into Ukraine.

Images of damaged vehicles used by militants close to Ukraine shown on state media show US-made military equipment such as Humvees.

“It is no secret for us that more and more equipment is being delivered to the armed forces of Ukraine. It is no secret that this equipment is being used against our own military. And it is no secret to us that the direct and indirect involvement of Western countries in this conflict is increasing day by day.” the Kremlin spokesman told reporters Dmitry Peskov.

For his part, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia will react “too hard” to further attacks by militants entering its territory from Ukraine.

“We will continue to respond to these actions by Ukrainian fighters swiftly and very harshly.”Shoigu told Defense Ministry officials, according to a ministry statement.