KYIV, Ukraine: Russians supplied the Palestinian militant group Hamas with infantry armaments seized in Ukraine, said Head of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine on Thursday.
“We are certain that weapons captured from Ukraine were supplied by the Russians to the Hamas group. These were mainly infantry armaments,” Kyrylo Budanov said as cited by Ukrainian newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda.
He also mentioned, “There is some information suggesting shipments to Hezbollah, but we currently lack confirmation.”
Budanov further disclosed that Russians had instructed Hamas militants in the use of FPV-drones against armored equipment. He asserted, “Only those familiar with our theatre of war could have provided such guidance. Since we were not present, it indicates Russian involvement.”
In a significant escalation, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel last Saturday, breaching the Gaza strip blockade with a barrage of rockets. Israel responded by conducting airstrikes on Gaza after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war with Hamas. This conflict resulted in numerous casualties.
Addressing concerns about Ukraine being affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, Budanov remarked, “If the conflict remains limited to a few weeks, there’s no cause for concern. However, if it prolongs, there will likely be issues, as Ukraine won’t be the sole state requiring armament and ammunition supplies.”
On Tuesday, Ukraine’s defence intelligence reported that Russia provided Hamas with “trophy weapons” manufactured in the US and EU, captured during the Ukraine war. The intent was to discredit Kyiv and strain its ties with Western allies.
