Ukraine asked to reclaim missiles in Iran

JERUSALEM, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Israel has asked Ukraine to seek the return of 12 long-range cruise missiles illegally sold to Iran through arms dealers by the previous Ukraine government.

Israeli media said the request was made during Ukraine Defense Minister Anatoliy Hrytsenko's visit to Israel last week.

The missiles are known as Kh-55 in Russian/Ukrainian and as the AS-15 Kent by NATO. They have a range of up to 1,800 miles, Mosnews reported Monday.

Kiev told Israel the warheads had been dismantled before the missiles were sold to Iran, but experts said Tehran could undoubtedly make new warheads.

However, the Ukraine Defense Ministry reacted with anger over claims illegal arms sales were conducted under the government of Leonid Kuchma.

"All the reports concerning the discussion of the missiles' withdrawal during Anatoliy Hrytsenko's visit are considered to be a provocation and aimed at changing the bilateral relations between Ukraine and Middle Eastern countries for the worse," the ministry said in a statement.