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Poroshenko Begs US to Deliver 1,240 Javelins Calling It 'Absolutely Fair'

CC BY 2.0 / DVIDSHUB / TOW, Javelin missiles The art of anti-armor warfare: 3/3 ‘Missile Marines’ prepare for enemy by shooting TOW, Javelin missiles
The art of anti-armor warfare: 3/3 ‘Missile Marines’ prepare for enemy by shooting TOW, Javelin missiles - Sputnik International
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Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is apparently so desperate that he has tried to defend the delivery of lethal-aid to Kiev as "absolutely fair" by asserting that the country is fighting to save what he referred to as the free world from an overhyped, yet non-existent Russian threat.

Ukrainian and US servicemen unload armoured cars from a plane at Kiev airport on March 25, 2015 - Sputnik International
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This tune has become popular with the Ukrainian leadership following the outbreak of a civil war after a US-sponsored coup in February 2014 removed elected president from power.

Instead of finding a peaceful solution to the crisis, Ukrainian authorities have urged the West to send Kiev lethal aid in order to suppress independence supporters in the east of the country.

This time Poroshenko has tried to make the case for the delivery of US-made FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems. "We're looking for just 1,240 Javelin missiles and this is absolutely fair," Poroshenko told the Wall Street Journal.

© Flickr / U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK)The FGM-148 Javelin Anti-tank Guided Missile
The FGM-148 Javelin Anti-tank Guided Missile - Sputnik International
The FGM-148 Javelin Anti-tank Guided Missile

The Javelin is a US-made man-portable anti-tank missile unit capable of automatic self-guidance. The system, costing nearly $250,000 apiece, is most often carried by a two man team and has been in service since 1996.

Why 1,240 you may ask?

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According to Poroshenko, Ukraine gave up exactly 1,240 nuclear warheads after the end of the Cold War. In return the United States and Great Britain should secure Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Although delivering on this alleged promise would actually mean saving Ukraine from itself and not Russia. Despite widespread claims, Moscow is not a party to the conflict. Moreover, Russia has made every effort to help Ukraine reach lasting peace through the full implementation of the Minsk accords. Kiev is yet to meet its obligations under the deal.

In addition, Russia, the majority of European countries, particularly Germany, and the Obama administration have been against lethal aid delivery, saying it will unleash more violence in the war-torn region. However, many in the US, including Senator John McCain, are pressuring Obama to reconsider.

© SputnikThe Shame Game
The Shame Game  - Sputnik International
The Shame Game

The US has already delivered Humvees, lightweight counter-mortar radar units, as well as medical kits, night-vision goggles and Kevlar vests to Ukraine. Washington is also providing training assistance to Kiev forces.

Increasing military aid goes against the spirit of the Minsk agreements, seen by Russia, Germany, France and many high-ranking US officials as the only way to lasting peace in the country.

© SputnikFirst year of the military operation in south-eastern Ukraine
First year of the military operation in south-eastern Ukraine - Sputnik International
First year of the military operation in south-eastern Ukraine
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