Source: facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua
Just a few days after signals of a possible US-Russian detente following the meeting between Trump and Putin, the US Department of Defense announcea $200m in military aid to Ukraine.
This sum is dedicated to provide Ukraine with equipment needed for ongoing training programs and operationa needs. According to the released statement, this amount will bring the total US military assistance to Ukraine to more than $1 billion since 2014.
The Kiev government will continue to use the US military aid to pressure forces of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics in eastern Ukraine. This pressure goes in contrary to the so-called Minsk agreements, which were designed to de-escalate the situation in the region. Thus, the Ukrainian government is acting in the direction of a steady escalation in the area and implementation of a “military solution” in its conflict with the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.
The Department of Defense’s statement (source):
“The Department of Defense announced today that they will provide $200 million to Ukraine in security cooperation funds for additional training, equipment and advisory efforts to build the defensive capacity of Ukraine’s forces.
This reaffirms the long-standing defense relationship between the United States and Ukraine and brings the total U.S. security sector assistance to Ukraine to more than $1 billion since 2014.
The added funds will provide equipment to support ongoing training programs and operational needs, including capabilities to enhance Ukraine’s command and control, situational awareness systems, secure communications, military mobility, night vision, and military medical treatment.
The security cooperation builds on Ukraine’s recent adoption of the Law on National Security. This law, which provides a legislative framework for aligning Ukraine’s national security architecture with Euro-Atlantic principles, constitutes a major step toward Ukraine’s goal of achieving NATO interoperability. The implementation of these reforms will bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its territorial integrity in support of a secure and democratic Ukraine.
A timeline for delivery and fielding of equipment will be determined at a later date.”
