US transfers seized arms to Ukraine amid political impasse

U.S. military confirms the delivery of small guns and ammunition to Ukraine, following the interception of supplies meant for Yemen’s Houthis, supported by Tehran

According to military authorities, the U.S. military verified the transit of small guns and ammunition to Ukraine on Tuesday.

These items were obtained following the interception of supplies meant for Yemen’s Houthis who are supported by Tehran.

Last week’s delivery comes at a crucial time when Ukraine is struggling with severe ammunition shortages and a political standoff over fresh aid financing from U.S. Republican legislators.

However, the delivery does not even come close to meeting Ukraine’s urgent needs for supplies, including air defense ammunition and artillery.

The Ukrainian armed forces received “over 5,000 AK-47s, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s, and over 500,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition” last Thursday, according to information released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media. CENTCOM stressed that these resources, which amount to enough supplies to outfit a brigade, will strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russia’s continuous assault.

As the weapons and ammunition were being transferred from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to Yemen’s Houthis, four “stateless vessels” had them seized between May 2021 and Feb. 2023, according to CENTCOM.

After the Department of Justice filed civil forfeiture claims, ownership of these weapons was legally transferred to the U.S. government on Dec. 1, 2023.

The Houthis represent a serious security danger and jeopardize important maritime lines. Since Nov. 2023, they have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

CENTCOM reaffirmed its resolve to stop Tehran’s disruptive actions while voicing worries over Iran’s assistance for armed organizations.

This latest donation is reminiscent of one that took place in early October and saw the provision of 1.1 million rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to Ukraine after they were seized from Iranian soldiers traveling to Yemen.

Still, Republican members of the U.S. Congress have blocked the delivery of vital air defense and artillery to Ukraine, putting a 60 billion dollar aid package on hold since last year. Speaking before a Senate committee, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underlined that breaking promises made to Kyiv would damage U.S. standing abroad and give opponents more confidence.

On March 12, the US announced a $300 million aid package for Kyiv that included artillery rounds, anti-aircraft, and anti-tank weaponry to ease the situation. This allotment, financed by Pentagon savings, is a stopgap measure amid the impasse in Congress.

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, U.S. authorities have been leading the charge to organize international assistance for the country and have coordinated relief operations from several nations.

Washington continues to be Ukraine’s biggest supporter, having promised large amounts of money for security aid ever since the crisis began.

Source: AFP