MOSCOW – The planned transfer of American weapons from Turkish stockpiles to Ukraine is causing a strong reaction from Moscow. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested explanations from Washington and Ankara regarding the circumstances and conditions of the planned delivery, warning that such a move could seriously damage relations between Russia and both the United States and Turkey.
According to available information, this involves a large package of American military equipment stored in Turkish warehouses. The U.S. Department of State reportedly informed Congress about its intention to authorize the re-export of this material to Ukraine. The planned delivery is said to include 70 M39 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles and 12 M270 multiple rocket launcher systems. The package is also expected to include more than 2,500 M26 rockets and tens of thousands of artillery projectiles with cluster munitions.
The total value of the transfer is reportedly around $280 million. Some reports indicate that Ukraine has already reached an agreement with Turkey to purchase this material, but the transfer is subject to U.S. approval due to the origin of the weapons.
Moscow views the planned transfer not only as a further strengthening of the Ukrainian armed forces, but also as a problem for diplomatic relations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that, according to Moscow, information about the planned deliveries contradicts some public statements about efforts to find a political solution to the conflict. According to the Russian side, arms supplies "undermine mutual trust" and could cause serious damage to relations.
A significant part of the controversy also involves cluster munitions. The organization Human Rights Watch stated that Turkey has requested permission from the United States to re-export American cluster rockets, missiles, and artillery projectiles that it has been storing for several decades.
```The delivery of ATACMS would simultaneously represent a significant expansion of Ukraine's ability to carry out strikes over long distances. Moscow is therefore expecting explanations not only from Washington, but also from Ankara. Turkey has long sought to maintain relations with both sides in the conflict and has also positioned itself as a potential mediator. It is precisely this combination of diplomatic initiatives and a possible transfer of American weapons that could further complicate its position, according to Moscow.