Russia Seeks Explanations from US and Türkiye Over Reported Plan to Transfer American Weapons to Ukraine
Dragon Media News Desk
Russia has sought formal explanations from the United States and Türkiye over reports that US-made weapons and ammunition currently held in Turkish stockpiles could be re-exported to Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Saturday that documents recently released by the US Congress indicated that the proposed weapons package could be substantial and include offensive systems.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the reported package includes 12 multiple launch rocket systems, more than 2,500 cluster rockets for those systems, 47,000 203-mm cluster artillery shells and 70 ATACMS missiles.
Zakharova said several aspects of the proposed transfer remain unclear, including who initiated the re-export plan, how the weapons would be transported and when they might be delivered to Ukraine.
She argued that the proposal appeared inconsistent with the stated positions of both Washington and Ankara, which have presented themselves as supporting a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine conflict.
The Russian spokeswoman said further arms deliveries to Ukraine would not fundamentally alter the overall course of Russia’s military operations, but warned that they could contribute to additional casualties and destruction.
She also said such a move could have negative consequences for Russia’s bilateral relations with both the United States and Türkiye.
Particular concern has been raised over the possible transfer of cluster munitions, which have long generated humanitarian concerns because unexploded submunitions can remain dangerous to civilians long after fighting has ended.
Zakharova said Türkiye had previously given assurances that it would refrain from supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine and argued that Ankara should therefore clarify its position on the reported transfer.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had requested explanations from both Washington and Ankara following the information disclosed through the US Congress.
Zakharova added that there was still time for the parties concerned to reconsider the proposed move.
If implemented, the reported transfer would represent a significant package of US-origin weapons from Turkish inventories to Ukraine. Because the systems are of American origin, Washington’s approval would be required for their re-export.
