The first joint US-Ukraine weapons inspection in Ukraine: Results and measures to strengthen controls

Ukraine and the United States conducted the first joint inspection of U.S. donated weapons, which included representatives of the Internal Audit Service of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The inspectors focused on verifying serial numbers, technical condition, and storage conditions. Information on the results of the inspection is currently being processed.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine emphasized the importance of joint inspections to ensure transparency and trust between partners. It was noted that the US representatives did not have any comments on the provided weapons, and joint inspections are planned to continue regarding the final use of these weapons.

In the context of billions of dollars of U.S. aid to Ukraine, U.S. members of Congress have expressed concerns about the possibility of fraud and abuse. Accordingly, the U.S. Department of Defense appointed Inspector General Robert Storch as the lead overseer of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

U.S. military and diplomatic officials have acknowledged the complicated situation in the war zone, which makes it difficult to track the nearly 40,000 weapons sent to Ukraine. There is still no accurate information on theft or illegal diversion of weapons.

The report of the Pentagon's inspector general does not contain evidence of misuse of weapons. Pentagon and State Department officials have stated that dangerous combat conditions on the front lines make it difficult for representatives to travel to verify that weapons are being used as intended.