Dec 23, 2017

Russia rebukes Trump administration for selling weapons to Ukraine

Khorri Atkinson

Photo: Evan Vucci / AP

A top Russian diplomat lambasted the U.S. decision to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons including Javelin anti-tank missiles, arguing that the move would only further fuel the conflict in the country's east, per The Associated Press.

Why it matters: Ukraine has long been seeking weapons for its fight against pro-Russian separatists in the eastern part of the country, which has killed more than 10,000 since April 2014, AP reports. Former President Obama was reportedly considering to send lethal weapons to Ukraine. The Trump administration's decision would deepen American involvement and further strains U.S. relations with Russia.

What they're saying: Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin told the state RIA Novosti news agency on Saturday, according to the AP, that the administration's decision "raises the danger of derailing the process of peaceful settlement in Ukraine."

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Coronavirus dashboard

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  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 a.m. ET: 786,291 — Total deaths: 37,820 — Total recoveries: 166,088.
  2. U.S.: Leads the world in confirmed cases. Total confirmed cases as of 3 a.m. ET: 164,620 — Total deaths: 3,170— Total recoveries: 5,943.
  3. Federal government latest: The White House will extend its social distancing guidelines until April 30.
  4. State updates: Rural-state governors say testing is still inadequate, contradicting Trump — Virginia, Maryland and D.C. issue stay-at-home orders to residents, joining 28 other states.
  5. Business latest: Ford and General Electric aim to make 50,000 ventilators in 100 days.
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