US takes ‘fresh look’ at weapons for Ukraine
THE United States is reconsidering whether to provide weapons to Ukraine in its fight against Russian-backed separatists, say senior administration officials, adding that no decision had been made.
‘‘It’s getting a fresh look,’’ a senior official said yesterday of deliberations among Obama Administration officials on whether to send defensive weapons to prop up Ukrainian forces. ‘‘Where things will end up, we don’t know.’’
US Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Kiev on Friday for talks with Ukraine’s government, the same day Nato defence ministers meet in Brussels.
The policy rethink reflects what US officials say is a frustration with Moscow’s continued support for rebels despite months of international economic sanctions, and the collapse of peace talks at the weekend.
Washington already provides military equipment to Ukraine, such as counter-mortar detection units, body armour, binoculars, small boats and other gear. But it has delayed any decision for months on providing arms, from rifles to anti-tank weapons, as it sought a diplomatic solution.
However, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the US was particularly concerned about mounting violence after months of fighting close to the Russian border.