U.S. considers sending weapons to Kiev

(Vatican Radio) Several U.S. officials say the United States is considering whether to send lethal weapons to help Ukraine's government battle pro-Russian rebels, who have launched a massive offensive in the east. The news comes amid divisions in the West over that issue, with Germany's chancellor Angela Merkel saying her country will not provide arms to Ukraine. Regional Correspondent Stefan Bos reports:  

Washington already provides non-lethal military equipment to Kiev, such as gas masks and radar technology. 

But U.S. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki has confirmed reports that officials are at least considering whether to send defensive weapons and other lethal weapons amid a major offensive by pro-Russian separatists. “We certainly want to help Ukraine, a sovereign government, thrive and and go through this transition period," she told reporters. 

"No decisions have been made. I’m talking about the fact that we, of course, preserve the right to consider a range of options,” Psaki added.

The deliveries are expected to include anti-tank, anti-air and anti-mortar systems.

President reluctant

President Barack Obama had originally been firmly opposed to arming the Ukrainian military, fearing a proxy battle between the U.S and Russia.

Moscow has condemned possible attempts to change this policy. “We have confirmation that the U.S. was directly involved from the very start in this anti-governmental coup," complained Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. 

"And I want to underline that President Obama’s rhetoric clearly shows Washington intends to do everything it can to unconditionally support the Ukrainian authorities," he stressed.   

Even among US allies divisions remain over whether to arm Ukrainian government troops. 

Germany concerned

Speaking in Budapest, German chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany would not send weapons. 

She prefers a diplomatic solution, a view shared by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. 

Yet their call for a ceasefire has done little to ease the suffering in cities such as Debaltseve. 

Government soldiers in this key railway hub between the rebel strongholds of Donetsk and Luhansk are nearly encircled by pro-Russian separatists. 

The leadership of the pro-Russian rebels plans to mobilize an additional 10,000 troops, boosting its fighting force to 100,000 men.