Moscow. May 20. INTERFAX - The transfer to Ukraine of Russian-made helicopters destined for Afghanistan is a violation of contracts concluded between the Russian Federation and the United States, the document banning re-export was issued by the Pentagon, said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport.
"Regarding the supply of Mi-17V-5 helicopters from the so-called "Afghan party" by the United States: This is definitely a gross violation by the United States of the foundations of international law and the provisions of Russian-American contract documents," Mikheev told reporters on Friday at the Helirussia-2022 exhibition.
"These helicopters are not subject to re-export or transfer to any third country, which was confirmed by an official document (commitment) The Pentagon - the end-user certificate (the document was signed by Hillary Clinton, who at that time headed the State Department)," the head of the company said.
Earlier, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby announced another package of military assistance to Ukraine, under which it is planned to transfer 11 Mi-17 helicopters.
On April 7, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation announced that Russia would take measures if a number of countries decide to transfer Russian or Soviet-made weapons and equipment to Ukraine.
"In accordance with the international obligations of the importing countries of Russian (Soviet) military products, their re-export or transfer to a third party is possible only with the prior written consent of the Russian Federation," the FSVTS said at the time.
"Failure to comply with this provision will be a gross violation of the international obligations assumed, and the Russian side will take appropriate retaliatory measures," the ministry noted.
On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. On February 24, Putin announced the start of a special military operation in Ukraine.