Volker: US will send more weapons to Ukraine
In the next few months, the US intends to send Ukraine a new batch of weapons, US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker announced at a press conference.
According to him, the US has the opportunity to sell Ukraine additional weapons.
“Announcements will be made, and Congress will be notified about the first tranches in the next few months,” Volker noted.
He added that Washington will negotiate weapons shipments with Ukraine for as long as they are needed.
The special representative also said that the US does not believe in the possibility of provocation by Ukraine, which Russian propaganda outlets have claimed. Instead, Volker believes that these are rumors spread by pro-Russian forces in order to divert attention.
Volker also says that the rumors may be an attempt by the Kremlin to conceal its own planned provocation, although he hopes this does not happen.
In addition, Volker expressed hope for the return of the Ukrainian sailors who were captured by Russian border guards near the Kerch Strait, although he does not consider this likely before Christmas. The diplomat reaffirmed that the US, EU and NATO are all on Ukraine’s side in this matter.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had confirmed the US’s intentions to continue the military assistance for Ukraine.