The United States decided to supply Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles due to Russia's refusal to help end the conflict in eastern Ukraine, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has said.

These steps by the United States were the result of Russia's refusal to take measures to end the military conflict and support the resolution on establishing peace. To be honest, this is a great disappointment, Volker said in an interview with Germany's international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, which was published on Thursday, January 25.

With no progress in negotiations, it is extremely important to realize that Ukraine needs to be a successful country. It has the right to defend itself, it is part of the international community, and we will support it, he added.

Volker noted that he had held two meetings with Russian presidential aide Vladislav Surkov - in August and early October 2017 - which he said were positive.

We met again in November, and it was obvious that Russia was moving back. In December, we approved the lifting of restrictions on the provision of military assistance to Ukraine, Volker said.

On December 25, 2017, ABC News reported, citing several sources in the State Department, that U.S. President Donald Trump was expected to announce his approval of a plan to sell anti-tank missiles to the Ukrainian government.

According to sources, the total defense package of $47 million includes the sale of 210 anti-tank missiles and 35 launchers.

If the president announces his approval, the plan will be submitted for consideration by the U.S. Congress within 30 days and then transferred to the State Department, the television channel reports.

"The sale of anti-tank missiles, which could possibly include the U.S.-made Javelin system, provoked a strong reaction from Russia on Saturday, saying it 'crossed the line,' and could threaten to derail Trump's calls for better relations with Moscow," the report says.