Russia: Western weapons sent to Ukraine are being sold on the black market
Russia confirmed Tuesday that military equipment delivered by Western countries to Ukraine is now on the black market and in the Middle East as well, without providing evidence.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a televised speech that some of the weapons delivered to Kyiv "spread in the Middle East, and also ended up on the black market."
However, he did not provide any concrete evidence to support his assertions.
The delivery of Western countries shipments of tanks, artillery and other military equipment to Ukraine angered Russia. Shoigu accused Western countries of delivering more than 28,000 tons of weapons so far to Ukraine "in the hope of prolonging the conflict" and draining Russia.
Russia initially tried to seize Kyiv, but resistance from Ukrainian forces forced it to retreat.
Moscow has since focused its offensive on eastern Ukraine, where it has made significant gains in recent days, including taking control of the strategic city of Lysechansk.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered his forces to continue their offensive in eastern Ukraine, as Moscow aims to take full control of the Donbass region.
Shoigu said the Russian offensive "will continue until the goals set by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces are fully achieved."
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