Western countries have started supplying weapons to Ukraine, against which Russia is pursuing an aggressive policy, bringing its military and equipment to the border. Britain and the U.S. have already delivered the first military aid shipment, and the Baltic states are also expected to help.
On January 22, the U.S. delivered the first installment of military aid to Ukraine. This shipment includes more than 90 tons of lethal weapons, including ammunition for Ukraine’s defenders on the front lines.
“This aid, as well as more than $2.7 billion in security assistance provided to Ukraine since 2014, demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to strengthen Ukraine’s defense against the backdrop of increasing Russian aggression,” the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said in a statement.
Later, U.S. President Biden discussed Russia’s aggressive actions toward Ukraine with his national security team. He reiterated that if Russia undertakes further invasion of Ukraine, the U.S., along with allies and partners, will take action that will have swift and severe consequences for Russia.
In turn, the defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania issued a joint statement in support of Ukraine, noting that they have received the necessary permits from the United States to send weapons and continue to work closely together to get them to Ukraine as quickly as possible.
“Today, Ukraine is on the front lines, separating Europe from a military conflict with Russia. Let’s face it – the war in Ukraine is ongoing, and it is important to support Ukraine in every way possible so that they can stand up to the aggressor,” said Estonian Defense Minister Kalle Laanet.
According to the statement, Estonia will provide Javelin anti-tank missiles, while Latvia and Lithuania will provide Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and ancillary equipment to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive military capabilities. The Baltic states will continue to cooperate in supplying weapons to Ukraine as soon as possible. The defense ministers also expressed hope that Ukraine would never need to use these weapons systems and that Russia would change its aggressive stance.
Britain has also sent 2,000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine and about 30 elite military personnel to train the Ukrainian military.
Several flights of Royal Air Force C-17 transport planes have taken place since Monday, but there has been no official word on the number of weapons delivered. Hundreds more troops may also be sent to NATO countries neighboring Ukraine to act as a “deterrent” to Russia.
Ukraine has also asked for weapons assistance from Germany but was turned down.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed solidarity with Ukraine, saying that Germany is ready to dialogue with Russia “because diplomacy is the only possible way.” The government also believes that supplying weapons to Ukraine could increase tensions and complicate negotiations.
As support, Germany decided to send a field hospital to Ukraine.
In response to the refusal, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Germany’s refusal on this issue disappoints the Ukrainian public.
“Unfortunately, Ukrainians will remember this for decades, and it is regrettable for me as foreign minister,” Kuleba said. “The stronger Ukraine is now, the lower the risk of another military conflict with Russia. Simply because Putin will not launch a new attack on Ukraine, knowing that the price will be too high”.
