U.S. to supply Ukraine with drones, hesitates on weapons

WASHINGTON – The United States announced Wednesday that it is sending small unarmed drones, armored Humvees and other assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russian-backed separatists. Lethal weapons were not included, to the dismay of some U.S. lawmakers.

The White House said President Barack Obama is still considering whether to send weapons to Ukraine’s military, weighing the risks that such aid could further inflame conflict in which more than 6,000 people have died.

“That bloodshed is something that we’re trying to avoid and de-escalate,” said White House press secretary Josh Earnest. “So the president is very mindful of the potential risk that’s associated with providing additional lethal military assistance to the Ukrainians.”

Earnest said the new aid includes unmanned drones to help defend Ukrainian forces and enhance their communication; radios and other secure communications equipment; radars to warn and protect against mortar and artillery fire; and medical equipment, including military ambulances.

U.S. officials said it includes small Raven drones systems, which can be launched by hand. The U.S. also will send 30 heavily armored Humvees and 200 other regular Humvees.

The drones and other equipment, not including the Humvees, are worth about $75 million. It’s not clear how many drones would be sent or what the Humvees cost.

Members of Congress from both parties repeatedly have urged Obama to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons to defend themselves. Cory Fritz, spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said the new aid “will be completely ineffective.”

“The Ukrainians are begging for help, and the Congress is begging the administration to provide the defensive lethal assistance we authorized in December. Our allies deserve better,” Fritz said.