The decision by Donald Trump to provide Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles is "noteworthy for those trying to predict what course next year the White House can choose against the Kremlin," writes journalist The Wall Street Journal Michael Gordon.
"While talking about improving relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump agreed at the same time with assistants who view his country as a revisionist power ready to be turned on its head by the post-Cold War world order that needs to be contained," Gordon said..
The journalist recalls that the provision of Javelin rockets to Ukraine was offered as early as the summer of 2014, but President Barack Obama ultimately decided not to direct any lethal assistance, since such a step "will not determine the outcome of the battles in decisive manner, but will provoke Russia to step up its military intervention in the east Ukraine, "reads the article.
The former NATO commander in Europe, Philip Breedlaw, said he supported the supply of Javelin missiles. "That's the right decision. It will be effective, but it would be more effective if we did it much earlier, "he told the publication.
"Neither General Breedlaw, nor other experts who support this decision, argue that Javelin missiles will uniquely change the balance of forces in the conflict. Their point of view is rather that the provision of weapons can deter Russians from new military actions in Ukraine, since they will increase costs for the Russian armed forces, "the article says..
"Javelin missiles will really deter them, because they mean a greater risk of casualties and tank losses if they are involved in a new offensive, and Putin is sensitive to the victims," ??said former NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow, now a member of the Atlantic Council.
The article also includes the opinion of Evelyn Farkas, a former high-ranking US Defense Department employee in the Obama administration. According to her, it is necessary "to answer some important questions, including whether the US government is ready to finance the purchase of weapons in sufficient quantities so that Ukraine can protect itself".