Russia is taking steps to prevent the sale of Soviet-era and Russian weapons to Ukraine by exerting influence on countries involved in the trade. Dmitry Shugayev, Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, revealed that one tactic being employed is the revocation of licenses from repair companies abroad. The supply of spare parts and components for the repair of Russian military equipment has also been halted. In 2022, licenses were revoked from several companies in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic that were responsible for repairing Mi helicopters. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Ukraine received Russian Mi-17 transport helicopters from the United States, which had previously belonged to or were intended for the Afghan Air Force. Additional measures are being implemented to counter the “illegal” transfer of domestic weapons to Ukraine, according to Dmitry Shugayev. This information was confirmed by Alexander Mikheev, Director of Rosoboronexport, who stated that the company has ceased cooperation with countries in Western Europe and North America that are considered unfriendly to Russia due to violations of arms re-export obligations. However, Rosoboronexport continues to collaborate with partners from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia.

Concerns have arisen within the Czech initiative, as EU countries are contemplating the purchase of Soviet-era ammunition from third parties. It is possible that Russia is attempting to influence these countries and obstruct the sale of such ammunition or intercept orders. The Czech initiative aims to supply the Ukrainian army with 50,000 to 100,000 large-caliber shells per month, specifically for Soviet-era artillery systems. The plan was announced in February 2024. Overall, Russia’s efforts to counteract the transfer of Soviet-era weapons to Ukraine are evident and have significant ramifications for both the suppliers and recipients involved in the arms trade.

ملخص الأخبار

• Russia received Mi-17 transport helicopters from the US for Ukraine.
• Measures are in place to prevent the “illegal” transfer of domestic weapons to Ukraine.
• Rosoboronexport ceased cooperation with unfriendly Western European and North American countries over re-export violations.