The United States has almost completed the passing of the law that will provide Ukraine with $350 million in support in addition to US military equipment to continue its fight against Russia and pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine. Russian foreign ministry official representative Alexander Lukashevich commented on the “openly confrontational character” of the US’s assistance to Ukrainian fighters. The US actions were, he said, a source of “deep regret.”
The US Congress passed the legislation unanimously Thursday, and if US President Barack Obama signs the bill into law, America will assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian and pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine with $350 million in military aid. Additionally, 20 million dollars will be made available for the support of democratic institutions in Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
The US will supply anti-tank weapons, surveillance drones, ammunition, counter-artillery radar and communication equipment.
The Ukraine Freedom Support Act also authorizes new sanctions on Russia. Giants Rosobornexport and Gazprom–the state’s arms exporter and natural gas producer–will bear the brunt of the new sanctions.
Further, Moldova and Georgia will receive special status as partners outside NATO.
“Approved by both houses of the US Congress without discussion and appropriate voting, the law ‘Ukraine Freedom Support Act’ is a cause of deep regret due to its openly confrontational character,” said Lukashevich.
“Again, the US capital has leveled against Russia unfounded accusations and threatens us with new punishments. This mix of Ukrainian and Syrian conflicts, to foment which the United States had a hand–and even the INF Treaty–the observance of which in Washington, to put it mildly, raises questions.”
The ministry spokesperson criticized America for one the one hand promising Kiev authorities weapons to continue military operations in the Donbass, and on the other hand simultaneously openly denouncing their intent to use non-governmental organizations to influence the political process in our country.”
By Day Blakely Donaldson
Image: CSPAN
Russia criticizes US for aiding fight in Eastern Ukraine - "Ukraine Freedom Support Act"
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