Russia threatens 'serious damage' to relations with US, Turkey over weapons shipment to Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova cautioned that an upcoming shipment of weapons to Ukraine would severely damage relations with the United States and Turkey. She made this statement on August 15, following reports that Turkey intends to transfer American-made weapons to Ukraine, including 70 long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).

Zakharova expressed concern that delivering such weapons would undermine efforts by the U.S. and Turkey to mediate in the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow. She argued that such actions erode mutual trust and undermine any peace-promoting rhetoric, particularly given Turkey's assurances of non-lethal support to Ukraine. Turkey, a NATO member, has positioned itself as a potential peace broker in the Russia-Ukraine war, hosting trilateral negotiations between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia in 2022.

However, these talks have not resulted in a ceasefire or a broader settlement. The shipment includes not only ATACMS missiles but also 12 M270 multiple-launch rocket systems, over 2,000 cluster munitions, and 47,000 howitzer rounds. Zakharova urged for a sober assessment of the situation and called for clarification from Washington and Ankara regarding the delivery.