US finds no evidence of diversion of Western-provided weapons in Ukraine

Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, the spokesman of the Pentagon, has announced the inspection results on Thursday, November 3, AFP informs.

"A small team comprised of US Embassy Kyiv — Office of the Defense Attache personnel have conducted multiple inspections of US security assistance deliveries within the last couple months at locations in Ukraine," Ryder states.

He added that "these locations are not near the frontlines of Russia's war against Ukraine.” The spokesman continued that "inspections are not reactive  we have no evidence of — widespread diversion of US security assistance in Ukraine."

Besides, according to Ryder, Ukraine tracks "security assistance from the border logistics hubs to the front line," and also "provides expenditure and damage reports to capture losses," the official said.

Earlier, the Pentagon announced that several US military representatives had begun conducting inspections in Ukraine to ensure that the Armed Forces were properly accounting for weapons provided by the West.

American representatives' visits were announced after the US State Department made public their plan aimed at preventing Western weapons provided to Ukraine from falling into the hands of Russian troops or their mercenaries.

US congressmen have long complained to the White House about the lack of transparency in reporting billions of dollars spent on military aid to Ukraine. Joe Biden's administration has been reluctant to reveal reports concerned over the possibility that it could tip off smugglers to potential tax evasion methods.

Since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February, the US has committed roughly $18 billion in military support. Washington wants to verify it is used as intended.