Russia's Foreign Ministry warned that a planned transfer of U.S.-made weapons from Turkey to Ukraine would cause 'serious damage' to relations with Washington and Ankara. Moscow has requested clarification on the shipment, which includes ATACMS missiles and cluster munitions.
The planned arms shipment risks escalating tensions between Russia, the United States, and Turkey, potentially jeopardizing Turkey's role as a mediator and straining diplomatic relations. It also highlights the complex geopolitical balancing act Turkey is performing amidst the ongoing conflict.
Russia has voiced strong objections to the United States and Turkey regarding an impending transfer of American-made weapons from Turkey to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the shipment, which includes 70 long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and other materiel, would inflict "serious damage" on bilateral relations with both Washington and Ankara.
Zakharova indicated that Moscow has contacted officials in both countries to seek clarification on the matter, emphasizing that such actions undermine attempts by the U.S. and Turkey to mediate the conflict. She noted that supplying weapons to Ukraine while espousing peace rhetoric erodes mutual trust, particularly given past assurances from Turkish officials about avoiding "lethal" deliveries.
Turkey, a NATO member, has played a dual role, maintaining economic and political ties with Russia while also providing military support to Ukraine and facilitating initiatives like the Black Sea Grain deal. The country has also hosted trilateral negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.
Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has significantly reduced large-scale defense funding to Kyiv, shifting focus towards diplomatic solutions under his "America First" doctrine. The planned transfer from Turkey involves offloading older weapons systems as the country upgrades its arsenal. The package is reported to include 12 M270 multiple-launch rocket systems, over 2,000 cluster munitions, and 47,000 howitzer rounds, which Russia warned would cause "multifaceted damage."