President Donald Trump's administration this month approved the commercial sale of lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine for the first time, a move that could complicate the president's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, The Washington Post reported.
The sale was valued at $41.5 million and includes the export of Model M107A1 Sniper Systems, ammunition, and associated parts and accessories. Heavier arms were requested, but the administration has not yet approved those.
Such sales were authorized by Congress in 2014, but former President Barack Obama's administration never made a decision to follow through, despite condemning Russian aggression.
"I'm pleased the administration approved the sale of defensive lethal arms to Ukraine," Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman who co-sponsored the law three years ago, told the Post. "This decision was supported by Congress in legislation that became law three years ago and reflects our country's longstanding commitment to Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression."
Trump had been sitting on the decision for months, and the president's chosen option was measured, according to the Post.
"We have crossed the Rubicon, this is lethal weapons, and I predict more will be coming," a senior congressional official told the paper.
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