Dec 23, 2017

Russia rebukes Trump administration for selling weapons to Ukraine

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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