The Trump administration has approved the sale of lethal weapons to Ukraine in a reversal of a long-held position to steer clear of the conflict. The move runs the risk of heightening tensions with Russia and has made European allies nervous that fighting in the divided country could escalate.
The State Department said that the administration would supply the Ukrainian government with Javelin anti-tank missiles, used to destroy tanks and armored vehicles used by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. The Trump administration announced that they would also be permitting the sales of some small arms to Ukraine.
The move marks a new willingness to oppose Russian intervention in other countries’ affairs.