Ukraine and the United States are working together on the transfer of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launchers to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but this will take time, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has said in an interview with Radio Liberty.

We need time to prepare everything - the facilities where everything will be stored, the ways of transfer. We are working together on how to transport them and attract them to the work of the Armed Forces, Radio Liberty quoted Volker's statement on Sunday, January 28.

Volker also said that the Javelins missile systems provided by Washington were defensive weapons.

This is defensive equipment. It is useful only when there is a tank attack. Then they can be neutralized. That is why it is the most defensive weapon, not for attack or for use on the contact line. I think Ukraine shares this position in many respects, he added.

Volker also noted that Washington hopes to fill some "white spots" in Ukraine's defense capabilities so as to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

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.