US Distances Itself From American Vehicles Used in Russian Incursion

The U.S. distanced itself from a cross-border incursion into Russia by pro-Ukraine militias after videos appeared to show the militias had used at least three American-made vehicles. 

The Details: After Russia’s defense ministry said it had stopped the incursion in its Belgorod region, it released footage of damaged American-made military vehicles at a border crossing; multiple news sources said they verified the footage. The Russian Volunteer Corps, one of the groups in the incursion, also posted a video showing it to be in possession of American-made MRAP vehicles.

Key Quotes: State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said he was “skeptical at this time of the veracity of these reports,” adding, “We do not encourage or enable strikes inside of Russia, and we've made that clear. But as we've also said, it's up to Ukraine to decide how to conduct this war.” However, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said, “It is no secret that this equipment is being used against our own military. And it is no secret for us that the direct and indirect involvement of Western countries in this conflict is growing by the day. We are drawing the appropriate conclusions.” 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was common in internationally-focused outlets across the spectrum. While most headlines attributed U.S. officials’ statements to “the U.S.,” Fox News (Right bias) framed the reports as “countering Biden claims.”