Okt 3, 2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Turkey has
supplied Ukraine with heavy machine guns in its ongoing war against Russia, in
a revelation which sheds further light on Ankara’s quiet support for Kyiv.
According to the London-based news outlet, Middle East Eye, which cited two anonymous sources familiar with the sale, Turkey recently began supplying Canik M2 heavy machine gun models – from the private Turkish arms manufacturer, Canik – for apparent use by ground troops along with armoured vehicles.
Ukraine
signed several contracts with Canik in March, according to one of the sources,
with the second source saying that over 600 of the guns have already been
delivered to the war-ridden country to be used by services such as the
Ukrainian military and intelligence.
“The deal
envisions a much larger number delivered than 600; more will be sent in coming
months”, that unnamed source was reported as saying. “We are aware that the
machine guns aren’t a game changer for the war against Russia. But does it
shoot? It shoots. So it is a big help.”
Each heavy
gun is reportedly estimated to cost between $15,000 and $20,000, meaning that
the potential value of the current delivery surpasses $10 million.
Since the
beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February last year, Turkey has
allowed the supply of armed drones, laser-guided missiles, protective gear and
armoured vehicles in a somewhat subtle support for the embattled nation.
Despite
that, Ankara has successfully maintained positive relations with both Moscow
and Kyiv, positioning itself as a mediator force and a largely neutral player.