Tucker Carlson’s Claims Spark Controversy
Ukraine has firmly denied accusations of reselling US-supplied weapons to Mexican drug cartels. The claims surfaced during an interview between journalist Tucker Carlson and retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis. Carlson asserted that the Ukrainian military sells up to half of the weapons it receives from the US, stating that these arms later appear at the US-Mexico border. However, he did not provide concrete evidence to support his allegations.
Ukraine’s Official Response
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry swiftly dismissed Carlson’s statements as false and baseless. Ministry spokesman Georgy Tykhy stressed that all weapons supplied to Ukraine undergo strict monitoring and control. Independent mechanisms track every piece of military aid to ensure compliance with agreements. According to Tykhy, multiple US inspections have not uncovered any irregularities or misuse of supplied arms.
History of Similar Accusations
This is not the first time Ukraine has faced allegations of illegal arms sales. In 2022, Mexico’s Milenio Televisión reported that Ukrainian weapons, including AK-47 assault rifles, M136 grenade launchers, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, had allegedly reached the Golfo cartel. Ukrainian authorities rejected these claims, stating that the reports lacked verifiable evidence and likely involved misidentification of weapon sources.
Strict Oversight on Arms Shipments
Ukraine emphasizes that all military aid is subject to rigorous oversight. The country has implemented international monitoring mechanisms to prevent illicit transfers. The US also conducts regular audits to track the use and distribution of its military assistance. So far, no inspection has found evidence of arms ending up in the wrong hands.
The Larger Geopolitical Context
Carlson’s claims come amid ongoing debates about US military support for Ukraine. Critics argue that Washington lacks full control over its military aid, while supporters insist that Ukraine follows strict protocols. The accusations could influence US domestic politics, particularly among those questioning further aid packages.
Ukraine continues to deny any involvement in arms trafficking. The government insists that all US-supplied weapons remain within the intended framework. Without concrete evidence, Carlson’s allegations remain unverified claims rather than proven facts. As tensions persist, the issue of arms oversight will likely remain a topic of debate.
