U.S. To Give $2 Billion to Ukraine as Fears Grow of Full-On War:
The United States has agreed to give the Ukrainian government $2 billion in loan guarantees as fighting increases between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels. Ref. Source 5
The current scenario in eastern Ukraine is a "Dire security situation and grave acceleration of the fighting on the ground," A senior U.S. State Department official says.
The official said Russia is "Failing the test miserably" As to whether it is serious about negotiations, adding that the Russian people are "Paying for this imperial adventure."
The official spoke to CNN on board U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's plane en route to Kiev today, where Kerry is due to meet with Ukrainian leaders. Ref. CNN
Despite Russian Warnings, US Will Deploy A Battalion To Ukraine By The End Of The Week:
"Before this week is up, we'll be deploying a battalion... To the Ukraine to train Ukrainian forces for the fight that's taking place," Stated US 173rd Airborne Brigade Commander Colonel Michael Foster said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC on Monday Ref. Source 7
US and Ukraine sign $1bn loan guarantee:
The US has signed a $1 billion loan guarantee deal with Ukraine, and is prepared to consider giving additional loan guarantees of up to $1 billion at the end of 2015 if Ukraine continues implementing economic reforms and cooperating with the Congress. Ref. Source 6s
U.S. Troops to train regular Ukrainian military troops: State Department:
"This training is part of our long-running defense cooperation with Ukraine and is taking place at the invitation of the Ukraine government. This additional program brings our total security assistance committed to Ukraine since 2014 to over $244 million," State Department Mark Toner said. Ref. Source 8n