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Israel Offers to Transfer Russian-Made Weapons to Ukraine

An Israeli government official proposed handing over seized Russian-made weapons to Ukraine during an official meeting.

The potential transfer was discussed at a meeting between Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharren Haskel and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk.

“It is noted that this initiative would be an important step in recognizing the common threats facing both countries. The Ukrainian side expressed hopes for a positive solution to this issue,” the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel stated in a social media post. 

Seized Weapons

Throughout Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, more than 60 percent of weapons reportedly captured by the Israel Defense Forces were of Russian origin.

These included Draganov sniper rifles, SPG-9 launchers, Kornet anti-tank missiles, and a 9P163-1 portable launcher for the Kornet-E.

Meanwhile, other arms appearing to have been made in Iran included 107-millimeter rockets, 81-millimeter mortars, PG-7 AT rounds, and the Toophan anti-tank guided missile system.

Shared Challenges

During the meeting, Haskel and Korniychuk discussed the national security challenges posed by Iran and Russia to their respective countries.

Iran has engaged in a series of armed conflicts against Israel and received support from Russia to counter US and Israeli influence in the Middle East.

It supports militant groups such as Hamas during the war in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, including by transporting military equipment and supplies via Syria.

In exchange for Russian support, Tehran supplied Moscow with self-detonating “Shahed” drones launched during aerial assaults against Ukraine.

Both countries signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” pact earlier this month, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov describing it as “constructive in nature” and “aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Russia, Iran, and our friends in various parts of the world.”

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