In Guns We Trust: Poroshenko Prefers to Greet US Well-Equipped

A photo posted on the Facebook account of the US Embassy in Ukraine showing President Poroshenko greeting Bruce Donahue, a US Senior Foreign Service Officer, with a gun strapped to his side, immediately became the centerpiece of heated debates and mockery on the internet.

Ukrainian President Poroshenko had arrived to accept a consignment of 10 Humvee armored vehicles; the United States has agreed to supply 30 to Ukraine.

The first 10 vehicles arrived at Kiev's Borispol Airport on March 25. Both sides agreed to meet at the airport to commemorate the handover.

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko (L) welcomes a serviceman during a welcome ceremony for first plane from United State with non-lethal aid including ten Humvee vehicles to Ukraine at Borispol airport near Kiev, March 25, 2015

© REUTERS / Gleb Garanich

President Poroshenko arrived to greet US Senior Foreign Service Officer and Deputy Chief of Mission Bruce Donahue in camouflage with a gun on his hip. A photo of the meeting was posted on the Facebook account of the US Embassy in Ukraine and immediately drew heated attention.

One of the comments to the post said: “The guys overdid it with a gun on the hip. With such a show off they should have done it in a full riot gear – helmet, bulletproof vest, battlefield goggles, machine gun, 12 magazines and 10 grenades. And not to forget knee-pads, elbow-pads, tactical knife and first aid kit!”

Earlier, AFP had reported that apart from the Humvees, the United States plans to send Ukraine radios, counter-mortar radars, and other non-lethal equipment worth $75 million.

The report did not state whether Ukraine is paying for this equipment or if it is considered to be foreign aid.