“The economy of Ukraine is in serious trouble. That is why I think the assistance of western countries to the economy of Ukraine is the most important thing,” Carter said when prompted to comment on future US military aid to Ukraine.
Carter admitted that economic and political support for nations is not the responsibility of the Secretary of Defense, he reiterated, “I want to say it’s the most important thing.”
The Defense Secretary explained “the paramount fact” is that the United States and its NATO and European allies need to support the Ukrainians politically and economically.
The United States has already provided military support to the government in Kiev, the Secretary of Defense noted. President Obama authorized $75 million last week toward vehicles, surveillance, and other equipment which Carter said “will be of material assistance to the Ukrainian military.”
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the economy of Ukraine has become more volatile and subject to risk as a result of the ongoing internal conflict in the country. The IMF recently authorized $10 billion for Ukraine as part of an overall $40 billion international aid package.
Last Friday, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov announced that Moscow will contribute $13.8 million to the first tranche of the IMF financial aid to Ukraine.
