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The U.S. State Department has notified Congress of a proposed transfer of U.S.-origin defense articles to Turkey, which in turn plans to supply Ukraine with $256 million worth of military equipment. According to human rights group Human Rights Watch, this deal includes the transfer of three types of military hardware: 70 M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles, 2,524 M26 rockets, and 47,000 M509A1 203mm artillery rounds.
Although this deal has not yet received final approval from Congress, the State Department has stated that it is prepared to authorize the transfer, citing Ukraine’s need for strengthened fire support capabilities to counter Russia’s military campaign. Turkey, in turn, would benefit by reducing its inventory of older defense articles, which would allow it to invest in the modernization and sustainment of existing systems.
However, Human Rights Watch has expressed concerns about the potential impact of this deal on civilians. The transferred M26 rockets and M509A1 203mm artillery rounds contain submunitions, which can cause unintended damage to non-combatants. The group has called on Congress to block the transfer, arguing that the risks associated with these munitions outweigh any potential strategic benefits.
This proposed transfer is a complex issue that highlights the intricate relationships between the U.S., Turkey, and Ukraine. While the U.S. has provided significant military aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, this deal would mark a new level of involvement, as it would involve transferring military equipment through a third country.
The deal’s proposed value of $256 million underscores the significance of this transfer. While the State Department has signaled its support for the deal, it remains to be seen whether Congress will approve it. If approved, this transfer could mark a new chapter in the U.S.’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities. The department pointed to Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression. However, human rights groups are urging caution, highlighting the potential risks associated with the use of submunitions in this context.
The future of this deal remains uncertain, pending Congressional approval. If approved, it could have significant implications for the conflict in Ukraine and the military relationships between the U.S., Turkey, and Ukraine.