From The Archive 2018: Trump Sends Javelins to Ukraine. Stops the Russian Advance.
In 2018, President Donald Trump authorized the sale of Javelin missiles and launch units to Ukraine, providing Kyiv with critical defensive capabilities to deter continued Russian aggression in the Donbas region. This move strengthened Ukraine’s capacity to resist Russian territorial aggression.
Under President Obama, assistance to Ukraine was limited to non-lethal aid, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to further Russian advances following the invasion of Crimea in 2014. President Trump’s decision to provide lethal aid corrected this course, empowering Ukraine to defend itself and signaling unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko welcomed the sale of Javelin missiles as “a symbol of cooperation with our American partners.” Similarly, Senator John McCain praised the Trump administration’s decision to provide lethal aid to Ukraine, asserting that it “sends a strong signal that the United States will stand by its allies and partners as they fight to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Russia falsely accused the U.S. of “fomenting war,” attempting to deflect attention from Russia’s continued military assaults in eastern Ukraine. These accusations were part of a broader Kremlin disinformation campaign to portray Western support for Ukraine as provocative, despite Russia’s ongoing violations of international law.
As Russia continues its brutal invasion, sustaining and expanding support for Ukraine remains essential to preserving global security and protecting democratic values.
Thank you President Trump for sending Javelins to Ukraine and helping the Ukrainian Army stop the Russian invasion of Donbas in 2018.