US to provide Ukraine with [Javelin anti-tank missiles] weaponry to fight Russian-backed separatists

France 24 ^ | 2017-12-23

[GonzoII]

Ukraine will soon have more lethal American-made weapons to help it fight Russian-backed separatists.

U.S. officials said Friday that the Trump administration approved a plan to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine, in a long-awaited move that deepens America's involvement in the military conflict and may further strain relations with Russia.

The new arms include American-made Javelin anti-tank missiles that Ukraine has long sought to boost its defenses against Russian-backed separatists armed with tanks that have rolled through eastern Ukraine during violence that has killed more than 10,000 since 2014. Previously, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with support equipment and training, and has let private companies sell some small arms like rifles.

The officials describing the plan weren't authorized to discuss it publicly and demanded anonymity.

The move is likely to become another sore point between Washington and Moscow, as President Donald Trump contends with ongoing questions about whether he's too hesitant to confront the Kremlin. Ukraine accuses Russia of sending the tanks, and the U.S. says Moscow is arming, training and fighting alongside the separatists.

Trump had been considering the plan for some time after the State Department and the Pentagon signed off earlier this year. President Barack Obama also considered sending lethal weapons to Ukraine, but left office without doing so.

The State Department, responsible for overseeing foreign military sales, would not confirm that anti-tank missiles or other lethal weapons would be sent. But in a statement late Friday, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the U.S. had decided to provide "enhanced defensive capabilities" to help Ukraine build its military long-term, defend its sovereignty and "deter further aggression."

[Krosan]

You’re reaching. Trump decided that America will sell Javelin missiles to Ukraine so they can protect themselves. That is exactly what Obama blocked, but you illogical people will still say it is Obama policy.

[BruceS]

So you are saying that Russia should give up claims to any areas within its borders that are not ethnic Russian? The Chechnians will certainly be happy to hear that.

[Krosan]

Russians don’t see it like that. They believe Russians are destined to rule the whole world. They have their jihad quite similar to muslaic jihad.

[JohnyBoy]

Multi-ethic empires are always more trouble than they’re worth. Chechnya is a prime example of that. Chechnya is also pretty close to independent as it is, but it’s a point of pride for Russia that she’s officially part of Russia, so that status isn’t changing anytime soon.

Russia certainly would be better off without Chechnya.

[NorseViking]

“” “My boss is a Russian speaking Ukrainian. He hates the Russians with a white hot passion. He talks about The Holdomor like it was last month. Can’t blame him. A fair number of his family were starved to death.” “”

If so Ghetto people might have a point rioting and demanding retribution over slavery in the 21th century.

[linMcHlp]

"U.S. officials said Friday [12/22/2017] that the Trump administration approved a plan to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine, in a long-awaited move that deepens America's involvement in the military conflict and may further strain relations with Russia."

"arms include American-made Javelin anti-tank missiles that Ukraine has long sought to boost its defenses against Russian-backed separatists armed with tanks that have rolled through eastern Ukraine"