US Senators from Kiev: Washington to Provide Arms if Russia Attacks Ukraine

A delegation from the US Senate, from the ruling Democratic and opposition Republican parties, pledged to provide arms to Ukraine in the event of an attack by Russia.

According to Reuters, a delegation from the US Senate visiting the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Monday, promised solidarity and the provision of arms, in the event of a Russian attack on Ukraine.

"I think Vladimir Putin made the biggest mistake of his career in underestimating the courage of the people of Ukraine in fighting them if he invaded," Senator Richard Blumenthal told reporters.

"The United States will impose stifling economic sanctions, but most importantly it will give the people of Ukraine the defensive and lethal weapons they need to defend their lives and livelihoods," he said after the delegation met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

The US senator explained that these weapons could include Javelin anti-tank missiles, anti-aircraft stinger missiles, small arms and boats.

"The message from the United States is that there are dire consequences if Putin chooses to desecrate this democracy," Senator Amy Klobuchar added.

Kiev and its Western allies have talked a lot about Russia's intention to invade Ukraine, after massing it militarily near Ukraine's borders, while pressing the United States for security guarantees, including preventing Ukraine from joining  the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

This comes while Russia denies the claim that it is planning a new military attack against Ukraine. Moscow stresses its need for security guarantees only.

The United States is Ukraine's strongest supporter in its confrontation with Moscow after Russia's return of Crimea in 2014 and the outbreak of war in eastern Ukraine.