MOSCOW, 17 AUG (DNA) — In response to reports on the possible delivery of a large shipment of US-made weapons and munitions to Ukraine, currently held by the Republic of Türkiye, Maria Zakharova stated:
“Judging by the documents recently released by the US Congress, this shipment represents a considerable arsenal, including offensive weapons. In particular, these papers mention 12 multiple rocket launch systems and more than 2,500 non-guided cluster munitions for them, as well as 47,000 203-mm cluster shells and 70 ATACMS short-range missiles.”
Zakharova emphasized the contradictions surrounding the circumstances and terms of such deliveries, noting the lack of clarity on who initiated the re-export project, how the weapons would be transported, and when they would reach Kiev.
She questioned the rationale of the United States and Türkiye in “opening yet another Pandora’s box to prolong the agony of the Banderite regime while claiming more lives,” pointing out that both countries have publicly aspired to play a role in settling the Ukraine crisis through political and diplomatic means.
According to Zakharova, “Pumping the Zelensky junta full of weapons will not alter the course of the special military operation in any meaningful way. However, it will inevitably cause victims, destruction, and a severe blow to Russia’s bilateral relations with Washington and Ankara.”
She further stressed that attempts to combine peace-making rhetoric with arms deliveries undermine mutual trust, especially given Türkiye’s repeated assurances that it would refrain from supplying lethal weapons to Kiev.
The Foreign Ministry has requested official explanations from Washington and Ankara regarding the information disclosed by the US Congress. Zakharova concluded: “There is still time to take a sober look at this whole situation.” — DNA
