Moscow Concerned Over Reports of US Plans to Supply Kiev With Weapons

Moscow is concerned over reports of US intentions to supply Kiev with modern weapons, directly or otherwise, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich said Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesman, the presence of US military instructors in Ukraine only "throws fuel on the fire" in the country's domestic conflict.

"Reports of US intentions to begin supplying Kiev with modern weaponry directly or through intermediaries cause great concern. The law of supporting Ukraine's freedom, passed by the US Congress last year, allows and welcomes such deliveries."

Last week, the United States Army announced that some 300 US paratroopers had arrived in western Ukraine to train local troops.

The Russian Foreign Ministry deemed the move a violation of the Minsk peace agreements, which stipulate the withdrawal of all foreign forces in Ukraine.

Last year, the United States Congress passed the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, which allows lethally arming the conflict-torn country. The act, later signed into law by President Barack Obama, has not been used to provide Kiev with lethal military assistance yet.