March 1, 2025 Story by: Publisher
President Donald Trump’s assertion that he was responsible for sending Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine, while the Obama administration only provided “blankets,” has been disputed as misleading and inaccurate.
While it is true that the Obama administration declined to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles, in 2014, it did offer other forms of military and security aid. The administration’s concern was that providing lethal weapons might provoke Russian President Vladimir Putin to escalate the conflict in Ukraine.
In reality, the Obama administration committed over $600 million in security assistance to Ukraine between 2014 and 2016. This included:
- $120 million in security aid by March 2015
- $75 million worth of equipment, including counter-mortar radars, night vision devices, and medical supplies
- 230 Humvee vehicles
The U.S. aid offer came in response to Putin’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Trump’s claim that the Obama administration only sent “blankets” is a clear misrepresentation of the fact. The Obama administration’s aid to Ukraine was substantial and demonstrated a commitment to supporting the country’s security and stability
Source: APNews
