Russia slams US decision to sell arms to Ukraine

MOSCOW - Russia's Foreign Ministry has reacted to the decision by the United States to sell lethal weapons to Ukraine, saying on Saturday that it will lead to "new bloodshed".

"The US weapons can lead to new victims in our neighboring country (Ukraine), to which we cannot remain indifferent," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in the statement.

"Washington is trying to present itself as an intermediary. But it is an accomplice in fomenting a war," Ryabkov said, adding that there is overwhelming "Russophobia" among many US politicians.

The response came after the US State Department said on Friday that Washington will sell advanced weapons to Ukraine to help update its defense capabilities. The lethal weapons will include Javelin anti-tank missiles, which Kiev has long desired.

Washington has argued in the past that such weapons would help stabilize the situation and cannot effectively be used to take territory.

Previously, the US has provided Ukraine with support equipment and training, and has let private companies sell some small arms like rifles.

The move is likely to become another sore point between Washington and Moscow, as US President Donald Trump contends with ongoing questions about whether he's too hesitant to confront the Kremlin.

The White House's National Security Council declined to comment.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Saturday the weapons would be used to protect Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.

Ukraine launched a military operation in its southeast Donbas region in April 2014, after the local pro-Russia residents refused to recognize the new pro-West Ukrainian authorities and sought independence.

10,000 killed

Armed conflicts have plagued Donbas since then and claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people.

Kiev and the insurgents reached a peace agreement brokered by Russia, France and Germany in Minsk, Belarus, in 2014. A more detailed renewal of the agreement was signed in February 2015.

The pact spells out a ceasefire, a withdrawal of heavy weaponry from the line of separation between the two warring sides, exchange of prisoners, and holding local elections in Donbas.

But the agreement has been breached from time to time, with both parties accusing the other of violations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the US decision once again undermines the Minsk agreements, TASS state news agency reported on Saturday.

Xinhua - Reuters - AP

(China Daily 12/25/2017 page11)