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US cannot supply weapons to Ukraine via third countries — US official

The US official commented on recent media reports on the alleged leak of weapons to Ukraine, in particular from the United Arab Emirates
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, third left, and the head of Ukrainian General Staff Viktor Muzhenko, in uniform, at the IDEX-2015 arms show AP Photo/ Mikhail Palinchak, pool
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, third left, and the head of Ukrainian General Staff Viktor Muzhenko, in uniform, at the IDEX-2015 arms show
© AP Photo/ Mikhail Palinchak, pool

WASHINGTON, March 3. /TASS/. Washington is not allowed by the legal rules to supply weapons to any states, including Ukraine, via third countries, a high-ranking representative of the US administration said on Tuesday.

The US official commented on recent media reports on the alleged leak of weapons to Ukraine, in particular from the United Arab Emirates.

Ukraine is a sovereign country that has the right to conclude agreements with other countries, he said. The official added that other countries’ governments might give more details on the new trade deals.

The remarks follow last week’s visit of the Ukrainian delegation led by President Petro Poroshenko to the IDEX-2015 arms exhibition in Abu Dhabi and statements that a number a military contracts were signed.

Following the trip, media reports alleged that Kiev would receive the US weapons purchased by the United Arab Emirates. Foreign Ministry of the UAE later refuted claims by Ukrainian officials on alleged plans of the Emirates' government to export armaments to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin earlier on Tuesday said Kiev expects to receive weapons supplies not only from the United States, but also from other countries.