MOSCOW, August 15, 2026 – The Europe Today: Russia has warned that a planned transfer of US-made weapons from Turkish stocks to Ukraine could undermine relations between Moscow and both Washington and Ankara, with the Russian Foreign Ministry describing the move as opening another “Pandora’s box.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the proposed re-export of American weapons from Türkiye to Ukraine would “inevitably undermine mutual trust” with the United States and Türkiye. Her remarks followed reports that Washington was preparing to authorize the transfer of weapons held in Turkish stocks.
According to the report, the proposed package includes 70 M39 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles, 12 M270 multiple-launch rocket systems, more than 2,500 M26 rockets equipped with cluster warheads and approximately 47,000 203mm cluster artillery shells. The estimated value of the package is around $280 million.
The US State Department reportedly submitted the necessary documents to Congress on August 6. Since the weapons were manufactured in the United States, their re-export from Turkish stocks requires Washington’s authorization. Under US law, Congress has 15 calendar days to review the proposed transfer, after which the authorization can take effect unless both chambers adopt a joint resolution blocking it.
Zakharova questioned the circumstances surrounding the proposed re-export, including who initiated the transfer and when and how the weapons would reach Ukraine. She also questioned the decision by Washington and Ankara to pursue the transfer while both countries have sought to present themselves as having a role in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Moscow has repeatedly criticized Western military assistance to Ukraine, arguing that the continued supply of weapons contributes to prolonging the conflict. Russian officials have also maintained that Western military support, intelligence and other assistance amount to direct involvement in the hostilities.
The proposed transfer is therefore likely to add another point of contention to Russia’s relations with the United States and Türkiye, while raising further questions over the balance between military support for Ukraine and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
