The United States supports the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine
Candidate for Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin supports the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine and considers assistance to strengthen defence capabilities an important area of cooperation.
He said this at a hearing of the US Senate Armed Services Committee during the consideration of his candidacy, according to the transcript.
The senator noted that US security assistance to strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should remain a priority.
"One of the things that Congress has done unanimously is that we have allocated $ 300 million to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons", - the senator announced.
He also stressed that he would "strongly support efforts to train, provide equipment and advisory support to strengthen the capacity of the Armed Forces to protect the country's territorial integrity from ongoing Russian aggression".
"I support the provision of lethal weapons to ensure that Ukraine has the necessary weapons for self-defence", - Austin informed.
It is noted that Ukraine also needs a variety of non-lethal equipment, in particular, means of communication, which are provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
"Currently, there is a good balance in helping with lethal and non-lethal weapons needed to ensure Ukraine's capabilities. If I am confirmed in office, I will continue to actively assess Ukraine's assistance needs and make adjustments if necessary", - he said.
What is known
- The Ukrainian delegation to the PACE will initiate the creation of an informal platform in support of the occupied Crimea.
- The United States will consider imposing new sanctions to stop the construction of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline.
