Russia asks “European province” Moldova to punish Ukraine’s “mercenaries”, warns Baku over arms supplies

Russia said it is thoroughly investigating and discussing Azerbaijani media reports about alleged arms supplies to Ukraine. “All information regarding possible arms supplies to the Kiev regime has been thoroughly checked,” a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said. Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made the comments when asked to comment on reports about the issue. Recent media reports alleged that Baku supplied anti-aircraft guns and mortar shells to Ukraine through the grain corridor in 2022–2023. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman also criticized the “hypocrisy” of Moldovan Defense Minister Anatoly Nosaty. Zakharova was referring to Nosaty’s comments that there are Moldovan mercenaries in Ukraine’s “so-called” International Territorial Defense Army.