Saying that the new package was intended to enhance democratic civilian control of the military,
the Pentagon has unveiled a package of around $250 million in military
aid to the Ukraine. They emphasized the US commitment to supporting
Ukraine.
In contrast to the aid packages a few years ago, which were emphasized
as purely non-lethal aid not intended to exacerbate tensions, this new
aid package seems to be chock full of lethal options for the military.
Sniper rifles, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and a host of other weapons were included in the new package. It’s not clear what any of this would have to do with civilian control of the military.
It is, however, clear that such weapons would be brought to bear against
the eastern rebels in Ukraine, where a ceasefire tends to hold only
tentatively at any given time, and US-provided arms might convince the
military that they have another opportunity to resolve what is meant to
be a negotiated settlement through military means.
US to Send $250 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine
Pentagon says arms meant to enhance civilian control of the military
Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.
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