Russia demands explanation over potential U.S. arms transfer from Turkey to Ukraine

On August 15, 2026, the Russian Foreign Ministry demanded formal explanations from Washington and Ankara regarding reports of potential plans to transfer a significant arsenal of American weapons and ammunition currently stored in Turkey to the government in Kyiv. The demand was issued by ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who underscored the gravity of the situation.

In her official statement, Zakharova warned that the execution of such a plan would cause severe, long-term damage to Russia's bilateral relations with both the United States and Turkey. The Russian government expressed explicit concern over the reported movement of military assets from Turkish soil, treating the potential delivery to Ukraine as a major escalation.

This incident follows broader tensions regarding Western military support for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. While the reports cited by the Russian Foreign Ministry focus on stockpiles located in Turkey, no specific timeline for a potential transfer or confirmation from Washington or Ankara has been provided in the current reporting. The Russian authorities are now waiting for official responses from their counterparts to clarify the status of these assets.