The United States will provide Ukrainian forces fighting Russia-backed separatists $75 million in nonlethal equipment, including small reconnaissance drones, radios and military ambulances, a senior administration official said.
President Obama has also approved the transfer of 30 armored Humvees and up to 200 unarmored Humvees under a separate authority, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and requested anonymity.
“We have said from the outset of the crisis in Ukraine that the United States supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” the official said. “We have been working together with our European and other international partners to achieve a diplomatic solution to this crisis.”
The aid comes amid an ongoing debate inside the administration and Congress over whether the U.S. should start providing defensive weapons to the Ukrainian forces to try to force Moscow to withdraw its support for the separatist insurgency.
The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!