Belgium investigating whether its weapons were used in Russia

Belgium is investigating whether weapons it sent to help Ukraine defend its territory were used in fighting just over the border in Russia

According to the Reuters news agency, Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo said on Monday that Belgium would seek clarification from Ukraine over reports that its forces used rifles made by his country to fight Russian forces inside Moscow's western borders

"Our Department of Defense and its intelligence agencies have launched an investigation and are asking for information to determine exactly what happened," De Croo added

He pointed out, "European weapons are delivered to Ukraine on the condition that they are used on its territory for the purpose of defending it," explaining, "We have strict controls and we are studying the situation to make sure of the matter".

The Washington Post reported on Saturday that anti-Kremlin fighters who launched a cross-border attack from Ukraine into the Russian region of Belgorod last month used tactical vehicles Kiev had received from the United States and Poland and carried rifles made in Belgium and the Czech Republic.