Moscow, Aug 15 (EFE).- Russia said Saturday it had asked the United States and Turkey for explanations over the possible transfer to Ukraine of heavy weapons, including US-made ATACMS tactical missiles currently in Turkish possession. “The damage at all levels from such supplies is inevitable. It is not only about the casualties and destruction that the Kyiv authorities are seeking to increase, but also about the serious damage to our bilateral relations with Washington and Ankara,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement. Zakharova said that, according to information published by the US Congress, Ukraine could receive an “imposing arsenal” comprising 12 missile launchers, 70 ATACMS tactical missiles and around 50,000 rounds of ammunition. The weapons are manufactured in the US but are reportedly in Turkey’s possession, meaning Washington’s approval would be required for their transfer to a third country, she said. Zakharova acknowledged that the weapons would not significantly alter the course of the war but said the foreign ministry had contacted both Washington and Ankara to seek “clarifications.” Moscow wants to know who initiated the proposed transfer of the “lethal” weapons and “what exactly guided the participants in the deal, represented by the governments of the US and Turkey, when they decided to open a new Pandora’s box,” she said. She questioned the move given that both countries have sought to play a role in resolving the war in Ukraine and have publicly presented a political and diplomatic solution as a priority. “Attempts to use mediation rhetoric while supplying weapons to Ukrainian Nazis inevitably undermine mutual trust,” Zakharova said, recalling repeated assurances from Turkish officials that Ankara avoids providing “lethal” weapons to Kyiv. “It is not too late to soberly assess the situation.” The previous US administration supplied Ukraine with its first ATACMS missiles in the second half of 2023. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also asked Washington on Friday for explanations over the possible provision of intelligence to Kyiv to enable attacks on targets inside Russian territory. The latest development comes as Monday marks six months since the last round of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine mediated by the United States. US mediators have since turned their attention to the war in Iran. EFE mos-sk