US State Department Reports to Congress on Arms Transfer from Türkiye to Ukraine

The United States Department of State has reported to the US Congress regarding plans to divert American weapons systems from Türkiye to Ukraine, including multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) launchers and ATACMS ballistic missiles, according to official Congressional documents.

“The transaction described in the attached certificate covers the permanent transfer of (12) M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers, (2,524) unguided M26 Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM) rockets, and (47,000) M509AI DPICM 203mm howitzer rounds to the Government of Ukraine through a private Turkish entity,” the document states.

According to the document, the arms shipment is planned to be carried out by three private Turkish companies, namely MKE, ASFAT, and ARCA Savunma.

In addition, there is also the Bulgarian private company VTIC International Ltd. as well as two US private companies, namely Pansophico and Patriot Defense Group.

“The transaction described in the attached certificate involves the permanent transfer of (70) M39 ATACMS missiles to the Government of Ukraine through the private Turkish entity MKE AS and the US private entities Pansophico and Patriot Defense Group,” the document states.

Meanwhile, Russia maintains that arms supplies to Ukraine could hamper the conflict resolution process, as they directly involve member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that any shipment containing weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russia. The Kremlin stated that Western arms supplies to Ukraine do not support the negotiation process and will have negative consequences.