The United States and the European Union have agreed to intensify their efforts in combating the diversion of weapons being supplied to Ukraine. This was stated in their joint declaration following a meeting of the EU and US Ministers of Justice and Interior on November 14, as published on the US government’s website.
The declaration emphasizes the US commitment to addressing the security threats arising from the Russian military operation, particularly in working with Ukraine to enhance efforts in preventing, detecting, and combating the diversion and illicit trafficking of firearms, other small arms, and light weapons.
Additionally, they intend to collaborate on issues related to human trafficking, as well as cooperation between law enforcement agencies in terms of information exchange and joint operational actions.
The meeting took place in Washington, with the US delegation represented by US Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. The EU delegation was represented by Commissioner for Justice and Consumers Didier Reynders and Spanish Minister of Justice Pilar Llop. The new presidency of the Council of the EU was represented by Belgian Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt and Minister of Internal Affairs Annelies Verlinden.
Prior to this, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges David van Weel stated that assisting Ukraine is becoming increasingly challenging, but the alliance has no intention of ceasing its support.
Earlier, the US and Ukraine initiated negotiations on security guarantees to Kiev.
