Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, strongly rejected the agreement between Washington and Ankara that authorizes the re-export of U.S. weaponry held by the Turkish military to Ukraine.
In a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the diplomat questioned how nations aspiring to mediate a diplomatic solution could decide to "open another Pandora's box" and prolong the conflict.
Zakharova warned that the continuous supply of war material would further deteriorate Moscow's bilateral relations with Washington and Ankara.
The plan contemplates the transfer of an arsenal valued at approximately $280 million, according to notifications submitted to the U.S. Congress.
The package includes 70 M39 ATACMS tactical-operational missiles, 12 M270 MLRS launchers, over 2,500 M26 rockets, and 47,000 cluster artillery shells.
According to legal procedures for U.S.-manufactured material, re-export requires formal approval from the White House and endorsement from the legislature in Washington.
The transfers are expected to begin at the end of August through private contractors. The operation coincides with the escalation of the Ukrainian conflict, which since February 2022 has prompted successive shipments of Western weaponry to Kyiv.
In response, Moscow reiterated that the flow of Western armaments will not alter the course of military operations and that all equipment will be considered a legitimate military target. Russia insists that the measure highlights the contradiction of countries presenting themselves as mediators while fueling the armed confrontation.
The decision reinforces Turkey's role on the regional geopolitical chessboard, positioning it as a transit point for U.S. military materiel. For the Kremlin, the continuous supply of weapons will not alter the outcome of the operations but will deepen the deterioration of relations with Washington and Ankara and amplify international tensions in a scenario where Global South countries are demanding a diplomatic exit from the confrontation.
