U.S. arms Ukraine

The Pentagon has recently announced plans to send U.S. arms stored in Israel to Ukraine, in an effort to support the country’s defense against Russian aggression. 

The move is part of a larger effort by the United States to provide military aid to Ukraine, which has been locked in a conflict with Russia since February 24th, 2022. The arms being sent to Ukraine include Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are considered highly effective against Russian-made armor. 

This decision follows a years-long effort by the Ukrainian government to secure greater support from the United States and other Western nations in its fight against Russian-backed separatists.

The transfer of weapons from Israel to Ukraine was first reported by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which cites anonymous sources familiar with the matter. The report states that the weapons were originally sent to Israel for safekeeping and are now being sent to Ukraine at the request of the U.S. government. 

The U.S. government has not officially confirmed the transfer of weapons from Israel to Ukraine, but a Pentagon spokesperson did state that the U.S. is “committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and is “always looking for ways to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself.” 

The move will likely cause retaliation from Russia, which has long opposed any attempts by the West to provide military aid to Ukraine. Russia’s foreign ministry has already issued a statement condemning the move, calling it “a direct and flagrant violation of the norms of international law.” 

It’s also sure to increase tensions between the United States and Russia, which have been escalating in recent months due not only to the Ukraine conflict, but also the ongoing conflict in Syria and allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. 

Israel also has cause to worry about Syria, but for different reasons. 

Traditionally, Israel has been reluctant to get involved in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as it seeks to maintain good relations with both countries. However, with the United States sending arms stored in Israel to Ukraine, the country is forced to take a more active role.

Because of this, Russia may choose to retaliate at Israel through Syria. Russia has long been a key ally of the Syrian government and has been actively supporting it in its ongoing civil war. Israel is rightfully worried that militia in Syria may attack its country, especially since it has happened before.

Still, even with the risk, the supplying of these weapons to Ukraine could be the final turning point. For the Ukrainian students on campus, this strategic move brings hope. Ukraine has been closed off, and relatives of students are trapped in the war torn country. The additional aid from the United States could end this nightmare, and allow families to reunite.

For all Americans, the end of the war means a chance to rebuild, and salvage our economy. The atrocities that Russia has been directing at Ukraine must be stopped, because only then can we return to a state of peace.

In a war that has lasted almost a year, it is imperative to provide Ukraine with the supplies to end it, so that the global community can rebuild.