Russia accuses Ukraine of becoming a global arms black market hub

Russian diplomat Yulia Zhdanova, head of the Russian delegation for military security and arms control negotiations in Vienna, has accused Western nations and Ukraine of allowing the country to become a major global hub for the illegal arms black market.

Speaking at an OSCE Security Cooperation Forum plenary session, Zhdanova claimed that Western powers are ignoring fundamental OSCE principles regarding conventional arms transfers to pursue political and defense industry goals. She alleged that the illicit trade of Western-supplied military equipment is being facilitated by organized crime groups operating under the protection of Ukrainian state officials, military commanders, and intelligence agencies.

Zhdanova stated that these activities violate the 1993 OSCE Principles Governing Arms Transfers and the 2000 OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons, posing a threat to both OSCE member states and other continents.