The planned delivery of US weapons to Ukrainian armed forces creates new tensions between Russia and US. “This is a big mistake,” said Federation chairman Valentina Matvienko in Moscow. A solution to Ukraine conflict was only complicated by this step, said Russian politician.
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Russia’s deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Rjabkow also accused US of furr heating conflict and warned against a “new bloodshed” in Ukraine. Anor Russian deputy foreign minister, Grigory Karasin, also accused US of undermining peace process in region. Arms deliveries to “war party” in Kiev were unacceptable, he said to Russian news agency Tass. A solution to Ukraine conflict is only possible through “honest and direct” negotiations between Ukrainian central government and rebels.
The Ukrainian government, on or hand, was pleased with announcement of a weapons delivery. According to Ukrainian ambassador in United States, Valery Tschali, new missiles are helping to keep “aggressor” at bay.
Merkel and macron demand peaceful solution
Meanwhile, Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed a joint appeal to warring parties in Ukraine. These should comply with agreed ceasefire, Merkel and Macron demanded in a statement.
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The Chancellor and French head of state criticized “last sharply increased” number of violations of ceasefire in Ukraine. They called for full implementation of Minsk agreement, which, in addition to a ceasefire, also includes withdrawal of troops and withdrawal of heavy weapons from front. “There is no alternative to an exclusively peaceful solution to conflict,” y said.
The US Department of State had previously announced that it would supply Ukrainian armed forces with modern defence technology. This should help Ukraine to “defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and ward off future aggression”, Declaration stated. According to ministry spokesperson Hear Nauert, this step is “totally defensive”.
According to a report by US broadcaster ABC, weapons supply should contain more than 200 anti-tank missiles, with a value of just under 40 million euros. This could include rockets from modern javelin system.
The US Congress has a say in arms sales to or countries, but approval is likely. Senators like Republican John McCain have been urging Ukraine to equip weapons for a long time. Also Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama had considered arms shipments to Ukraine, but eventually refused.
In parts of Ukraine, government units and separatists have been fighting for more than three years, supported by Moscow. According to UN figures, more than 10,000 people had been killed in conflict until December 2016. A 2015 agreed peace plan has so far only been implemented in approaches. On Wednesday both sides agreed on a ceasefire over Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
