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Washington has responded to an announcement of new Russian nuclear weapons on March 1 by approving a sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine.
On March 1, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a formal certification for the $47m deal, which includes 210 Javelin missiles, 37 command launch units as well as training, logistics and support.
The DSCA said the goal is to “help Ukraine build its long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Ukrainian President Petr Poroshenko reacted to the move in Facebook:
“I’m thankful to President Donald J. Trump and his entire team for supporting Ukraine in this important and historic decision . . . Only unity and solidarity will stop the Russian aggressor and preserve the Free World from his maniac ambitions!”
The delivery of 210 missiles will not be able to change the balance of power between pro-government forces and local militais in eastern Ukraine. However, it is clear this move will negatively impact the US-Russian relations.
