Is there any truth in reports of organized arms trafficking from Ukraine to EU countries.?
It has been observed that U.S. arms transfers to Ukraine have greatly improved Ukraine’s military capabilities to fight Russian forces.
Anti-tank missiles, artillery systems, and drones supplied by the US have proved very effective in counteroffensive operations. It has made it possible for Ukraine to resist Russian advances more effectively.
In my opinion, continuous military aid is essential for Ukraine to maintain its operational effectiveness. However, these weapons can go into the wrong hands which could cause serious problems for European countries in future.
We have witnessed how use supplied weapon in Afghanistan were sold by Mujahedeen groups to criminal and terrorists in the region. These weapons have caused huge problem for Pakistan.
Fortunately, available evidence suggests Ukraine has avoided large-scale illicit weapons diversion. Frontline demands for materiel reduce incentives for illicit transfers. Ukraine’s leadership is aware of risks to foreign assistance. Ukraine has made efforts to mitigate diversion risks and reassure allies.
But despite investments in diversion mitigation, challenges remain as risks evolve. U.S. end-use monitoring of arms transfers to Ukraine is insufficient. Department of Defense failed to meet monitoring requirements for $1 billion worth of military equipment. Concerns raised by theft and enemy capture of U.S.-origin defense articles.
The United States did not, for its part, provide to units with questionable histories.
There is no reliable data to support allegations that Ukrainian officials are selling weaponry donated from Western sources. Most allegations linking them to such behavior seem to be spread by Russian disinformation initiatives meant to undermine faith in Ukraine’s military forces’ leadership.
All Ukrainian troops interviewed in February 2024 said firearms were strictly regulated during and after duty.
The Global Initiative has mentioned in its report that there has been no verified incident of organized arms trafficking from Ukraine to EU countries.
