France Will not Supply Weapons to Ukraine 'at This Time'
France has no plans to supply weapons to Ukraine to tackle the pro-Russian insurgency in the east of the country, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Wednesday.
"We have no intention of supplying lethal weapons at this time," Le Drian said, responding to a mounting debate triggered by reports that the United States is considering arming the Ukrainian government.
"Russia's position with respect to its support for the Ukrainian separatists is not acceptable, we say it firmly, and we are continuing sanctions as a result," said Le Drian in Paris, following talks with his Canadian counterpart Rob Nicholson.
"At the same time, we must avoid by all means the continuation of this worsening conflict."
Tentative ceasefires between the Ukrainian and rebel forces have collapsed in the past month, with renewed offensives by the separatists against key communication and transport hubs.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government is said to be mulling the possibility of supplying military equipment to help the government defend its positions, raising fears that the standoff between Russia and the West could escalate.
President Barack Obama's nominee for defense secretary said he was "inclined" toward providing weapons to Ukraine to help the Kiev government in its fight with pro-Russian separatists.
Ashton Carter, expected to be confirmed soon by lawmakers as the next Pentagon chief, made the comment before the Senate Armed Services Committee amid signals from the Obama administration it was leaning towards providing arms to Ukraine.
"I'm very much inclined in that direction, mister chairman, because I think we need to support the Ukrainians in defending themselves," Carter said when asked by Senator John McCain if he supported delivering "defensive weapons" to Kiev.
"The nature of those arms I can't say right now," as he had not conferred with U.S. military commanders or Ukrainian leaders on the issue, Carter said.
The Obama administration so far has only provided "non-lethal" assistance to Ukraine, including night-vision goggles, body armor, radios and other items, while imposing economic sanctions on Russia over its role in the conflict.
The White House had feared that sending in weapons could trigger a tense confrontation with Russia and escalate the conflict. But with no sign Russia is backing off in Ukraine and repeated violations of a ceasefire agreement, U.S. officials say they are now seriously considering a shift in policy.
Washington has accused Russia of running a proxy war in Ukraine, providing advice and heavy weapons to the pro-Moscow separatists.
A group of former senior U.S. officials and officers this week urged a major increase in military assistance for Ukraine, including providing light-armor missiles designed to take out tanks and armored vehicles.
Source: Agence France Presse
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