Belgium objects to use of its weapons in Ukraine's attacks on Russia

By Omer Tugrul Cam

BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Monday objected to the use of the arms given to Ukraine in attacks against Russia.

De Croo said in an interview daily Le Soir that he has asked the intelligence services to determine whether Belgian weapons have been used on Russian soil.

"I am not yet in a position to confirm the information," De Croo said, adding that Belgian weapons given to Ukraine can only be used to defend Ukrainian territory, according to the terms.

The FN Scar rifles manufactured by the Belgian company FN Herstal, initially supplied to Ukraine, were used in attacks against the army in Russia, which triggered a debate, according to media reports.

"There are extremely strict rules regarding Belgian and other European weapons," he said. "We asked the Ukrainians to explain the situation."

Washington Post published photos over the weekend showing members of anti-Russian President Vladimir Putin groups -- the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) and the Freedom of Russia Legion (LSR) -- using Belgian and other Western weapons during an attack on Russian soldiers in Belgorod, Russia.

Western nations have long provided Ukraine with military and financial aid throughout the war, which began on Feb. 24 last year.

*Writing by Nur Asena Erturk in Ankara