The US is considering selling Ukraine weapons in
light of
Russia’s
continued disregard for a negotiated ceasefire, a senior Defense Department
official told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Speaking during
her confirmation hearing to be the next assistant secretary of defense for
international security affairs,
Elissa
Slotkin said, “The option of providing
lethal assistance is being looked at.” However, she also noted that the US already
has provided over $116 million in assistance to Ukraine, and officials with US
European Command have conducted more than 25 visits to advise and assist Ukrainian
military forces. Russia’s failure to “live up” to a ceasefire agreement is pushing
discussions of arms sales along though, Slotkin added. Pressed by Sen. Jeanne
Shaheen (D-N.H.) as to what factors are under consideration by the Administration
regarding military aid, Slotkin said the Russian reaction to direct US arms
sales is an important consideration, as well as the views of “other states” on
Russia’s periphery.
