Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has issued a warning that weapons supplied by Western backers to Ukraine are finding their way into the hands of Hamas militants and are being used against Israel. In a post on Telegram, Medvedev expressed concern that future military hardware supplied to Ukraine could end up on the black market, just like the weapons left in Afghanistan by the US. He predicted that missiles, tanks, and planes from Kiev could soon be available on the black market.
While there has been no solid evidence confirming these claims, an unverified video circulating online showed a Palestinian militant displaying US-made weapons, including an anti-tank grenade launcher, and thanking Ukrainians for the weapons. As a result, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for an investigation into the origins of these weapons.
Medvedev argued that the “corrupt authorities” in Ukraine would not hesitate to trade the weapons they have received from their backers, claiming that they would steal everything in sight. He warned that these Western weapons would fuel conflicts in other parts of the world, similar to the trove of weapons left in Afghanistan by the US during their withdrawal in 2021.
The video of the Palestinian militant displaying US-made weapons has raised concerns in the US. The origin of these weapons is unknown, but Greene suggested that they might have come from Ukraine or Afghanistan.
Washington has been the main supplier of military aid to Ukraine since the beginning of its conflict with Moscow. The US has provided $46.6 billion in military assistance, including direct shipments of weapons and ammunition, as well as grants and loans for weapons and equipment.
Ukraine has faced accusations of misusing or selling off the weaponry it has received, but it has vehemently denied these claims. Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) has blamed Russia for spreading rumors about weapons allegedly coming from Ukraine to Hamas. GUR claimed that Russia was conducting a “discreditation” campaign against Ukraine in the Middle East and that the weapons in Hamas’ possession were trophy weapons captured by Russian forces from Ukrainian troops.
These developments coincide with the ongoing escalation between Hamas and Israel. The conflict began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on multiple locations along the Gaza border. Israeli officials estimate that more than 700 people have been killed and over 2,200 injured in the Hamas assault.
In conclusion, Medvedev’s warning about weapons supplied to Ukraine potentially ending up in the hands of Hamas militants highlights the risk of these weapons being used in conflicts beyond Ukraine. The video showing US-made weapons with Hamas raises concerns, and calls for an investigation into the origin of these weapons have been made. The claims and counter-claims between Ukraine and Russia regarding the weapons further complicate the situation. As the conflict between Hamas and Israel continues, it is crucial to address the issue of weapon proliferation and its potential implications for regional and global security.
Source link
