Miami police have delivered a package of small arms to Ukraine consisting of weapons that were either seized from criminals or bought back from the city’s residents, Ukrainian law enforcement officials have announced. The handover ceremony took place in the Ukrainian city of Irpen in Kiev Region on Tuesday, and was attended by Gennady Fedoryuk, deputy head of the National Police, and Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales.
During the ceremony, Fedoryuk expressed his gratitude towards Miami and highlighted the significance of these weapons for maintaining order and security. He stated, “Weapons seized from criminals on the streets could be used as instruments of crime. At the same time, these weapons transferred to our units will become another tool for maintaining order and security.”
The Ukrainian National Police also shared pictures of the ceremony, showcasing two tables piled with handguns, revolvers, and several automatic weapons. While the exact number of guns donated by Miami was not specified, the Irpen city council revealed that a total of 102 small arms pieces and 150,000 rounds of ammunition were handed over. It was noted that not all of the package had been seized from criminals; some had been bought back from residents.
The donation of these firearms is a result of Miami’s ‘Guns 4 Ukraine’ campaign, which was launched in June 2022. The campaign allowed city residents to turn in guns in exchange for a reward ranging from $50 to $200 for each firearm. Miami police supplemented these buybacks by adding confiscated pistols and submachine guns to the ones they purchased.
While Ukraine has been requesting heavier weaponry such as advanced fighter jets and long-range missiles from its Western allies, the country has received a significant amount of tanks, air defense systems, and other military equipment. However, there have been delays in delivering the requested modern Western-made aircraft, which has been criticized by Kiev. These delays have been cited as a hindrance to the ongoing counteroffensive against Russia.
Despite the criticisms and warnings from Russia, which opposes the sending of weapons to Kiev, the donation from Miami demonstrates international support for Ukraine’s security efforts. Moscow has expressed concerns that arms provided to Ukraine often end up in the hands of organized criminal groups and terrorists worldwide.
The cooperation between Miami and Irpen, as sister cities, in donating firearms reflects the importance of international collaboration in addressing security concerns. By repurposing seized weapons and incorporating them into law enforcement efforts, the two cities are working together to combat the potential misuse of firearms and maintain order in their communities.
This donation marks a significant contribution to Ukraine’s efforts to enhance its security capabilities. It highlights the commitment of cities like Miami to support countries facing security challenges and underscores the importance of international partnerships in maintaining global stability. With the donated small arms and ammunition, Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies will have additional resources to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities. Through initiatives like the ‘Guns 4 Ukraine’ campaign, cities like Miami are making a positive impact on international security and demonstrating solidarity with countries in need.
Source link
