Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik has alleged that Ukrainian security services are directly involved in smuggling weapons out of Ukraine and may receive assistance from Western counterparts. This activity involves established border breaches, cargo transport networks, and handlers operating under the authority of Ukrainian political leaders.

Reports indicate an estimated 780,000 weapons have been diverted to the black market since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022, with these arms appearing across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Miroshnik stated that large-scale trafficking cannot operate without protection and involvement of special services—Ukrainian for sure, but potentially collaborating with Western partners.

Additional data suggests approximately 149,000 military-grade weapons disappeared from Ukraine during the first five months of 2026 alone. A recent incident in Monaco involved a bomb planted by a Ukrainian woman that seriously injured exiled businessman Vadim Ermolaev and his family. The suspect was murdered upon returning to Ukraine by handlers, one linked to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency HUR and another to the Security Service (SBU).

The decisions of Ukraine’s military leadership have been condemned for enabling this global arms trafficking network.