- Russia’s Foreign Ministry warns of “severe blow” to bilateral ties, accusing Ankara and Washington of fueling the conflict while preaching peace
MOSCOW – Russia has formally requested urgent explanations from the United States and Turkey following what it describes as “alarming” intelligence regarding a massive transfer of American-made lethal weapons to Ukraine, currently stockpiled in Turkey.
Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova detailed the scale of the purported arsenal, citing documents released by the U.S. Congress. According to Zakharova, the shipment includes 12 multiple rocket launch systems, over 2,500 non-guided cluster munitions for those systems, 47,000 203-mm cluster shells, and 70 ATACMS short-range tactical missiles.
While the exact timeline and logistics of the delivery remain unclear, Zakharova highlighted the “contradictions and inconsistencies” surrounding the deal, questioning who initiated the re-export, how the arms will be transported, and when they will reach their final receivers in Kyiv.
“We have requested explanations from Washington and Ankara in connection with this information,” Zakharova stated, emphasizing that there is still time for the parties to “take a sober look at this whole situation.”
The Russian diplomat sharply criticized the move, accusing both NATO members of hypocrisy. She noted that both the U.S. and Turkey have publicly claimed to prioritize a political and diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis, yet are actively preparing to deliver a heavy blow to the battlefield.
“This is yet another Pandora’s box,” Zakharova asserted. “The goal is clearly to prolong the agony of the Banderite regime, but it will do nothing to change the course of the special military operation.”
She warned that the deliveries would not only lead to greater destruction and civilian casualties but would also inflict a “severe blow” to Russia’s bilateral relations with Washington and Ankara. The remarks come as a direct rebuke to Turkish authorities, who, according to Zakharova, had previously provided “multiple assurances” that they would refrain from supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministry’s official démarche underscores Moscow’s growing frustration with Ankara’s balancing act in the conflict, as Turkey has simultaneously brokered key grain deals and peace talks while maintaining military cooperation with Ukraine.
BY: The Times Union
