U.S. Weapons Exports to Ukraine: Military and Political Implications

Abstract

In December 2017 the military cooperation of the United States and Ukraine had witnesses a “qualitative” change: in order to counterbalance the Russian-backed separatist forces’ tactical military capabilities in Eastern Ukraine, Donald Trump authorized the export of sniper rifles and guided anti-tank missiles. By this step Washington begins to openly provide weapons to Ukraine in an official state-sponsored program. The author evaluates the possible implications of this step.