The administration of US President Joe Biden has decided to delay providing financial support to Kiev, although the allocation of this aid package was to have been officially announced as early as last week
This was reported by the NBC TV channel, citing its informed sources.
This is said to be linked to America’s desire to “allow more time for diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions” on the Ukrainian-Russian border situation and reports of an alleged Russian invasion of Ukraine.
What the $200m aid package includes is not yet clear. However, according to sources, Ukraine has requested air defence systems, anti-ship missiles, more Javelin anti-tank missiles, electronic warfare equipment, radar systems, upgraded artillery ammunition and medical supplies.
Official Kiev is puzzled by the US decision and does not understand why the aid did not arrive as expected.
The TV channel’s sources do not rule out that this batch of aid is seen by the White House as an instrument of pressure on Moscow and will be delivered in case Russia takes military action against Ukraine.
Earlier, Kuleba said that peace through force was Ukraine’s main goal on Donbass. The diplomat even announced a “comprehensive plan of containment” of Russia, which Kiev has developed with its so-called “partners”.