Paul Selva
The decision to supply to Ukraine lethal defensive weapons can be taken in Washington within a few months. This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the joint chiefs of staff U.S. army General Paul Selva, reports RIA Novosti.
“Those discussions are ongoing. I think in the coming months, you will have the answer to this question,” the General said during a hearing in the Senate.
However, he clarified that “it is not tanks and offensive weapons, and defensive”. “We are in favor of lethal means, such as antitank weapons,” said Selva. He also said that the decision on such supplies a “political choice”.
On 23 June it was reported that the draft law on the allocation of funds, the us Department of defense in the 2018 financial year will include an article about the provision of military assistance to Kiev. According to the Chairman of the Committee on armed services of the house of representatives Mac Thornberry, the money will be allocated to Ukrainians “to protect themselves from aggression from the East.”
In February the Minister of foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin said that Kiev needs defensive lethal weapons, and effective interaction with the US and NATO in many areas.
In September 2016 the house of representatives of the U.S. Congress unanimously approved a law that includes lethal weapons in the list of military aid to Ukraine, but it has not been approved neither by the Senate nor by the President.
Washington supplying Kiev with military equipment, ammunition and equipment, but, despite repeated requests from the Ukrainian authorities, does not provide lethal weapons. Against arms shipments to Ukraine was expressed by many European policy. In particular, elected President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that it is risky and counterproductive.