Trump on brink of giving lethal weapons to Ukraine as Russia ‘sends THOUSANDS to warzone’
DONALD Trump is “actively reviewing” the possibility of sending weapons to Ukraine after it was revealed at least 3,000 Russian troops were now on its soil.
By VICKIIE OLIPHANT
Express.co.uk
Thu, Aug 24, 2017
US Defence Secretary James Mattis said Donald Trump “stands with Ukraine” at a joint press conference with President Petro Poroshenko today.
Mr Mattis said Washington would continue to put pressure on Russia over what he called its aggressive behaviour.
But the politician stopped short of promising to provide lethal weapons to Kiev.
He said Russia had failure to abided by the Minsk ceasefire agreement, which was meant to end separatist violence in eastern Ukraine.
And he added: “Despite Russia’s denials, we know they are seeking to redraw international borders by force, undermining the sovereign and free nations of Europe.”
Mr Mattis’s visit, timed to coincide with Ukrainian Independence Day, is the second high-profile show of US support in as many months, after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson came to Kiev in July.
Ukraine has counted on US support against Russia since a pro-Western government took power following street protests in 2014 when the Kremlin-backed president fled the country.
But some of President Donald Trump’s comments during the election campaign last year, such as appearing to recognise Crimea as part of Russia, stoked fears in Kiev he might mend ties with Moscow at Ukraine’s expense.
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