The United States has sent ‘lethal aid’ to Ukraine, as tension between Ukraine and its eastern neighbor, Russia, continues to escalate. Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov celebrated the arrival on his Twitter account.
The second bird in Kyiv! More than 80 tons of weapons to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities from our friends in the USA! And this is not the end 😌 🇺🇦🤝🇺🇸
P.S. the cargo arrived under dependable protection 🐶@WhiteHouse @congressdotgov @USEmbassyKyiv @UKRintheUSA pic.twitter.com/ReNaj9tRds— Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) January 23, 2022
Along with the military weapons, reports indicate the Pentagon has presented President Biden with a plan involving deploying thousands of troops to Ukraine.
“NATO Allies are putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to NATO deployments in eastern Europe, reinforcing Allied deterrence and [defense] as Russia continues its military build-up in and around Ukraine,” NATO wrote in a statement.
This move comes after the State Department recalled all family members and some Embassy personnel working in Ukraine.
The State Department also issued a travel alert for Ukraine. “Do not travel to Ukraine due to the increased threats of Russian military action,” the alert warned.
Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he believes Russia will attack Ukraine.