‘Russia sanctions to stay’

Ukraine US says committed to ‘help’ Ukraine’s army

KIEV, Aug 24, (AFP): US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Thursday the United States was committed to helping Ukraine’s military, and sanctions against Russia would remain in place until Moscow stops supporting rebels and returns Crimea.

Mattis accused Russia of seeking to “redraw international borders” by force and said a new military aid package agreed with Ukraine would help Kiev defend itself.

“Mr President, we continue to support Ukraine and remain committed to building the capacity of your armed forces,” Mattis said after meeting Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko for talks. He said Washington had recently approved delivery of military equipment worth $175 million (148 million euros) to Ukraine that would boost its defence capacities.

This brings total military aid to $750 million since 2015, although the issue of lethal weaponry is still under consideration, he added.

“On the defensive lethal weapons, we are actively reviewing it,” he said. “Defensive weapons are not provocative unless you are an aggressor. And surely Ukraine is not an aggressor.”

Kiev has for several years pushed for help with lethal weapons, particularly anti-tank missiles, and the US Senate in 2015 approved a bill that allowed such deliveries.

Mattis