Kremlin Needs Time To Ensure What Weapons US Sends To Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov. (Source: Kremlin)

JAKARTA - Kremlin officials said on Tuesday it would take time to clarify what weapons were supplied and would be supplied by the United States to Ukraine after President Donald Trump said Washington should send more weapons to Kyiv.

President Trump said on Monday the US would send more weapons to Ukraine, especially defense weapons, to help the war-torn country defend itself from rising Russian attacks.

When asked about President Trump's statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were many conflicting statements about the supply of US weapons to Ukraine, although it was clear European arms shipments were continuing.

"Obviously, supply continues, it is clear. Obviously, Europe is actively involved in supplying weapons to Ukraine," Peskov said.

"Regarding what type of supply Ukraine continues to receive from the United States, it still takes time to clarify this definitively," Peskov explained.

Russia, which continues to advance at various points along the front lines, currently controls nearly a fifth of Ukraine including Crimea, the entire Luhansk, mostly from three other regions, and a fraction of the three additional regions.

Peskov said Moscow appreciates President Trump's efforts to initiate direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and that there is significant potential to restart Russia-US trade and economic relations.

"But at this time, the United States is implementing a number of restrictions. We believe that these sanctions are illegal, and not only harm our employers, but also US businessmen," Peskov said.