Georgia paid “millions” to Ukraine for Buk missiles – defence ministry

The Georgian defence ministry on Tuesday dismissed reports over the free handover of Buk missiles to Georgia by Ukraine during the Russia-Georgia 2008 war, saying the country paid “millions” for the arms in 2007. 

“The agreement was classified, that is why we are deprived of the possibility to specify more details”, said the body and noted Tbilisi also  paid tens of millions of dollars in 2017 for the purchase of Javelin anti-tank systems from the United States. 

The ministry stressed the country “firmly continues its humanitarian and political support to Ukraine, based on the available opportunities”. 

“Over the transfer of arms or dual-purpose equipment to Ukraine, the Government of Georgia has repeatedly voiced a clear position on this issue,”the body said. 

On Monday the European Pravda published an article by the acting ambassador of Ukraine to Georgia Andriy Kasyanov, in which the diplomat said Ukraine had demanded back the Buk missiles it had handed to Georgia during the Russia-Georgia 2008 conflict and also requested Javelins. 

Kasyanov said Tbilisi “strongly rejected” the arms support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.