US Senator cautions against Saudi Arabia sharing US defense technology with Russia

A senior Democratic lawmaker has raised concerns that Saudi Arabia might share sensitive US defense technology with Russia. This comes after the kingdom’s recent decision to side with Moscow over the interests of the US. In an interview with Guardian, Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate armed services committee, said he would “dig deeper into the risk” in discussions with the Pentagon.

The Senate armed services committee had proposed a one-year freeze on weapons sales to Saudi following Opec+’s decision to cut oil production.

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“I want some reassurances that they are on top of it and if there are risks, I want to determine what can be done to mitigate those risks immediately,” Blumenthal said.

Washington isn't happy with Opec+’s decision to begin cutting oil production next month by two million barrels a day. The Saudi monarchy and Democrats in Washington seem to be at loggerheads over the matter. The decision sent indications that Saudi is siding with Russia in the Ukraine war, besides hitting the Biden administration hard before next month's mid-term elections. The reduction in oil output will lead to an increase in gas prices.

Biden even warned that Saudi would face “consequences” for the move. On Sunday, the White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Biden will “methodically” work towards re-evaluating the relationship with Saudi Arabia. However, changes to security assistance to the major oil producer are likely.

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Blumenthal informed that a primary area of concern was to make sure that Russia doesn't benefit from the sensitive technology that has been shared with US partners in Riyadh.

“We are going to be consulting with the Pentagon, speaking to them very frankly about their assessment of the risk in the transfer of technology in advanced weapons systems made already,” he said. “I am not leaping to any conclusions but it needs to be a consideration that is heightened.”

While the Republicans haven't said much on the matter till now, Blumenthal expects bipartisan support for measures to curb weapons sales and the issue is likely to be taken up formally next month.

(With inputs from agencies)