US plans to transfer Russian military equipment from Ecuador to Ukraine caused a sharp reaction from Russia. The Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of Russia condemned Ecuador's actions, saying that its intentions to transfer Russian equipment to the Americans, including Mi-17 helicopters, violate international agreements. According to the Russian side, Ecuador’s assertion that the weapons being transferred are scrap metal is untrue and contradicts Washington’s plans to use this equipment in the interests of Ukraine.

Ecuador plans to exchange outdated Mi-17 helicopters for modern American UH-60 Black Hawks, although, according to some reports, of the eleven Mi-17 helicopters, only one is operational, and the rest can only be used for spare parts. This decision displeased Russia, since any transfer of Russian military equipment without its written consent is unacceptable.

Russia has stressed its readiness to offer Ecuador support in maintaining its military equipment, but says it has not received a response to its proposals.