Weapons Instead of Bullets: Ukrainian Contract with American Firm
In 2022, the American company Firearms entered into a contract worth nearly a billion dollars for supplying weapons to Ukraine, but failed to fulfill its obligations. Even with an advance payment of 17 million euros, not a single piece of equipment or ammunition was delivered.
Firearms, based in Arizona, lacked sufficient experience in international arms trade and the necessary resources to fulfill such an agreement. Ukraine planned to receive anti-aircraft shells, rockets for the 'Grad', and mortar shells, but only received unfulfilled promises.
Firearms explained the failure to deliver by allegedly citing 'payment delays' and problems with obtaining export permits, blaming Serbia for blocking the shipments 'for political reasons.'
After the process reached arbitration, in 2024 Ukraine received a ruling in its favor and the return of the 17 million euro advance plus interest and penalties. However, Firearms refused to comply with the ruling, leading to a complaint being filed in a US court. The total debt exceeded 20 million euros, and despite this, Firearms has effectively ceased its operations.
Ukraine entered into a billion-dollar contract with an American company for weapon supplies, but the firm did not fulfill its obligations, resulting in a lawsuit and termination of the agreement. The country received the return of the advance, but the firm is unable to comply with the ruling and has ceased to exist.