UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Despite the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Russian weapons contractors reportedly visited the US stand at a weapons expo in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where they checked out the US-provided FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system.
Ukrainian forces have used the weapon to destroy Russian tanks. Media reported that the exchange was friendly, with at least one Russian reportedly picking up a Javelin and exchanging patches.
The Naval Defence and Security Exposition in Abu Dhabi saw displays from several countries showcasing their weaponry and other combat systems.
A few yards separated the US Army soldiers and Russian weapons contractors. The interaction between the two groups may seem unusual given the deadly weapons the US has provided to Ukraine to use against Russian forces.
The Javelin and other US weapons, such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), have been instrumental in helping Ukrainian forces hold back the Putin-led country’s invasion.
Military experts have previously lauded the Javelin as a crucial tool in allowing Ukrainian forces to defend against the Russian military’s onslaught of tanks and heavy armour.
The weapon uses an infrared guidance system to track a target’s light emission and delivers a high-explosive anti-tank warhead.
Despite the critical role the Javelin has played in Ukraine’s defence, the US has faced criticism for providing lethal weapons to the country, with some arguing it could escalate the conflict further.
While the friendly interaction between US and Russian forces may seem unusual given the ongoing conflict, it is not an isolated incident.
Last October, the US and Russian troops crossed paths in Syria, where they exchanged patches, shook hands, and even posed for photographs together.
The US and Putin-led country have backed different sides of the country’s ongoing 12-year-long brutal civil war.
While the exchange last fall was friendly, other exchanges between US and Russian forces in Syria have been less so, such as when the soldiers of Putin-led nation ran American troops off the road, causing injuries.
The friendly interaction at the weapons expo may be a glimmer of hope amidst escalating tensions between the US and Putin-led nation over the conflict in Ukraine.
While Putin-led nation has criticised the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine, it has undoubtedly played a significant role in helping Ukrainian forces hold back the Putin-led nation’s invasion.
As the conflict’s magnitude continues to escalate, it is unknown how much further it will draw the US and Putin-led nation into a face-off and what the outcome will be.
Also Read: Ajay Banga Nominated as the New President of World Bank, President Biden Confirms
