Around 300 Javelins Delivered From US. Biden Considers Personal Sanctions Against Putin

NATO will not deploy combat units in Ukraine.

The US has handed Ukraine about 300 Javelin anti-tank missile systems as part of a security package that arrived by plane at Boryspil airport on January 25. 

In the third US aid package, about 79 tons of weapons were sent, including 300 Javelins. This is part of the weapons package the US is providing to Ukraine worth $200 million. 

Javelin is a portable anti-tank missile system of American manufacture. Its missile features the latest technology, which means the operator does not need to adjust or guide the missile to the target after launch. 

The system is designed to destroy armored vehicles, ground fortifications, as well as certain aircraft flying at low altitude and speed, such as helicopters or drones. 

Sanctions Against Putin

US President Joe Biden is considering imposing personal sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Joe Biden
US President

I explained to Putin early on that in the event of an invasion of Ukraine, he would have to deal with serious consequences, including harsh economic sanctions. In addition, I will be forced to increase the US military presence in NATO's eastern border countries, including Poland, Romania, etc. I believe everything now depends on Putin. I think even his inner circle is not sure what he is going to do. 

A journalist asked the president: "Are you thinking about applying sanctions specifically against him (Putin, ed.) if he decides to go ahead with an invasion?" Biden replied: "Yes, I will consider (such an option, ed.)." 

The US president explained that he is ready to deploy 8,500 American troops to eastern NATO member states in the event of heightened military tensions, including on the Belarus-Polish border. According to White House spokesperson Jen Psaki, such a decision will be made jointly with alliance partners. 

Biden believes this should signal to Putin that the US is steadfastly committed to the principle that an attack on one NATO member state means an attack on the entire alliance. 

He also said that such an invasion would be the largest military operation in Europe since the end of World War II, and that it would change the entire world. According to Psaki, the White House has "no intentions, no interest, no desire" to deploy American military personnel on Ukrainian territory. 

NATO Will Not Deploy Combat Units in Ukraine

NATO's secretary general said the alliance will not deploy its combat units in Ukraine despite the growing Russian threat, but will make efforts to strengthen its combat readiness, especially on the eastern flank. 

Jens Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General

NATO will not deploy NATO combat units in Ukraine, but we must make sure there is no misunderstanding about our readiness and our commitment to defending all allies, especially in the eastern part of the alliance. 

According to him, that is precisely why the alliance has increased its presence in the eastern part, in the Black Sea and Baltic regions. NATO is also weighing whether to further strengthen its positions with combat groups, including in the southeast of the alliance. 

"Strong deterrence — is the best way to prevent any attack on any NATO ally and the best way to prevent conflict," Stoltenberg said. 

The secretary general said there is still a diplomatic way out of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, "but this requires Russia to take steps to de-escalate and be ready to engage in good-faith political negotiations with NATO and NATO allies." 

NATO's Response to Kremlin Demands

Stoltenberg also outlined the general details of NATO's written response to the Kremlin's so-called "security demands," which will be sent this week. 

Jens Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General

We will emphasize that we are ready to sit down (at the negotiating table, ed.) and discuss arms control, disarmament, transparency in military activity, risk reduction mechanisms and other issues important for European security. 

The response will also note that NATO is ready to listen to Russia's concerns. According to the secretary general, the alliance will confirm that it is not prepared to yield to Russia on key principles, such as every European state's right to choose its own path or security treaties of which it wishes to be a part. 

Stoltenberg noted that Russia's response will be sent this week: "We in NATO are finalizing proposals, a written document that we will send to them later this week. We will do this in parallel with the United States, because the United States has received a draft treaty from Russia." 

The US is expected to give Russia a written response this week to its demand for so-called "security guarantees," including that Ukraine not be admitted to NATO. 

The US expects further contacts with Moscow after it reviews Washington's response.