British and US experts are in Kiev today to investigate whether Ukraine sold an advanced radar system to Iraq in violation of UN sanctions.
The investigation is designed "to contribute to the safety of US and UK pilots" patrolling Iraq's no-fly zones, a US spokeswoman said.
A former bodyguard secretly recorded President Leonid Kuchma allegedly approving the transfer of the Kolchuha system to Baghdad, and US officials say they believe it is genuine.
The highly sophisticated system can detect approaching aircraft without tipping off their pilots. US and British warplanes patrolling the no-fly zones over Iraq are frequently fired on from the ground.
US officials have said they have "some information" suggesting Kolchuhas may be in Iraq.
But the Ukrainian government has denied any transfer of any military technology to Iraq, saying its arms exports are regulated by a system created with the help of US and other Western specialists.
Washington is considering punitive measures against Ukraine and has already suspended $35 million in aid to the government as part of an overall policy review. Ukraine is the fourth-largest recipient of US aid, receiving almost $150 million every year.
AP