The United States is contemplating whether to provide the Ukrainian military with missiles, specifically Javelin antitank armament and ammunitions. This, of course, serves as a helping hand for the Ukrainian military in order to fight off the pro-Russian rebels east of the country. The discussion resurfaced due to the emergence of fights between the two camps, with the Pro-Russian rebels having a greater weapons advantage allegedly made possible by Russia. The United States government hopes that such lethal action could persuade Russia to reconsider its assistance towards the separatists. Yet the outcome could make the situation worse.
The New York Times has cited several United States officials who are inclined to supply the Ukraine Forces with weapons and equipment. One of them is Secretary of State John Kerry who is planning to visit Kiev this Thursday. Along with Kerry stands Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who will soon depart from his post. Yet there are several government officials who are not so convinced that the Russian government will back down. It’s a double sided blade which could put Ukraine in a more precarious slippery slope.
Lethal action has, as of yet, not been decided with President Barrack Obama still remaining silent to the Russian counter-assistance. However, the United States government did not stay idle. Non-lethal military equipment such as body armor, binoculars, small boats and even counter-mortar detection units have been supplied to the Ukraine in the recent months but the inclusion of Javelins will be very noticeable. While the Javelin missiles can be fired from the soldier’s shoulder, the U.S is urging Ukrainians to mount the weapon on their vehicles for better maneuvering against armored military vehicles.
If a report from the Atlantic Council is true, the United States will supply 3 billion $ worth of missiles, drones, armored Humvees and radars. Former U.S ambassador to Ukraine, Jhon Herbst believes that the Ukrainian military is no match against Russian forces and a diplomatic resolution is currently not possible: “For there to be a real diplomatic settlement the military solutions has to be denied to the Kremlin.” Assistance to Ukraine will possibly happen through a coordinated cooperation with Poland, the Baltic States, Canada and Britain.