Russia demands answers from US, Turkey over Ukraine arms transfer

Russia has issued sharp warnings to both the United States and Turkey, demanding explanations over a planned transfer of a large U.S.-origin weapons stockpile from Turkey to Ukraine. The diplomatic protest, voiced by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on August 15, followed reports that the U.S. State Department had notified Congress of its intent to authorize the re-export of the significant arsenal from Turkish storage.

According to documents submitted to Congress, the proposed package includes 70 M39 ATACMS short-range ballistic missiles, 12 M270 multiple launch rocket systems, more than 2,500 M26 unguided rockets with cluster warheads, and 47,000 203mm cluster artillery shells. The total value of the proposed transfer is estimated at approximately $280 million. Under U.S. law, the State Department submitted the required notification on August 6, triggering a 15-calendar-day review period for Congress. If no joint resolution blocking the sale is adopted, the authorization will take effect automatically.

Zakharova stated that Russia has formally requested clarifications from both Washington and Ankara regarding who initiated the transfer, how and when the munitions...