The US is ready to provide Ukraine with more lethal weapons.
(Baonghean.vn) - In an interview with The Guardian on August 31, US Special Envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker said that Washington would provide more lethal weapons to Kyiv to help the Eastern European nation strengthen its naval and air forces to counter what it calls the threat from Russia.
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| US Special Envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker. Photo: AP |
And in that context, Ukraine strengthening its military and reinforcing its defenses is obvious; it's understandable that they are seeking support, and naturally, other countries should help them. Of course, they need support in the form of lethal weapons because they are under attack."
Volker added that Kyiv and Washington are negotiating on "naval capabilities, because, as you know, their navies are essentially controlled by Russia." Therefore, according to Volker, "they need to rebuild their naval forces. They also have limited air capabilities. I think we need to consider air defense operations."
Earlier this year, the US Congress passed a defense budget bill that includes $250 million in military aid for Ukraine in 2019.
Previously, Congress had voted to pass this bill, but it was vetoed by the Obama administration due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia. Last December, the Trump administration lifted this restriction and approved the transfer of lethal weapons to Kyiv.
Russia has consistently warned the US that it is "crossing the line" by supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine, arguing that Washington is nearly pushing Kyiv into "new bloodshed."
Moscow also warned Washington of the consequences of supplying weapons to Ukraine, arguing that these weapons would provoke "aggression" from Ukrainian nationalists who are seeking to instigate new bloodshed in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the Eastern European country.
