NATO: Ukraine properly guarantees safety of allied-supplied arms

NATO is confident that Ukraine properly ensures the safety and accounting of weapons that it receives from allies in executing the right to self-defence against Russian aggression.

The statement came from a NATO official representative in an article previously published by the Financial Times with the title “NATO and EU sound alarm over risk of Ukraine weapons smuggling”, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

“NATO allies are in full solidarity with the leadership and people of Ukraine in the heroic defence of their country. We help defend Ukraine's fundamental right to self-defence with an unprecedented level of support. We are confident in the commitment of the Ukrainian leadership to the proper preservation and accounting of allied weapons,” the article says.

Earlier, a similar position was voiced by the representative of the EU. A leading spokesman for EU foreign affairs and security policy Peter Stano said: “We have put in place mechanisms to monitor and control that equipment provided by the EU member states is used for its intended purpose. Our assistance is subject to strict control and guarantees, including after it has been delivered.”

Stano said this includes monitoring of the use of supplied military equipment that complies with international human rights and international humanitarian law, regular reports and/or monitoring at the location of the equipment, if necessary and when conditions allow.

“Equipment provided under the European Peace Fund assistance is tracked throughout the delivery process and beyond. This is being done in cooperation with the Armed Forces of Ukraine now and in the future. Ukraine has pledged not to transfer these items for use other than its own armed forces, recognised by the EU, and not to re-export them to other countries,” Stano stated.