Washington mulls supplying Ukraine with lethal weapons

Photo: AP

The US is considering supplying lethal arms to Ukraine, US Defense Secretary James Mattis has stated during a visit to Kiev. Washington has also agreed to supply Ukraine with an additional $175 million worth of equipment.

"I would also point out that on defensive lethal weapons - we are actively reviewing it," Mattis said at a news conference alongside Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday.

"I will go back now having seen the current situation and be able to inform the secretary of state and the president on the specific terms what I recommend for the direction ahead," he added.

The Pentagon chief also said that Washington had recently decided to supply Ukraine with more than $175 million worth of equipment.

"For example, we have just approved, just very recently, last couple of weeks, another $175 million worth of...