Ukraine tested its Javelin missile systems yesterday for the first time since receiving the weapons from the United States to boost its defenses in its conflict with pro-Russian separatists.
The US says Javelins cannot effectively be used to take territory, but Russia says supplying them will further destabilize the situation by encouraging the use of force.
"Finally this day has come. I am grateful to (the United States)... for the firm decision that Ukraine should be armed," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced the first test of the missiles on Twitter.
The tests were carried out in northern Ukraine, away from the eastern front line. Intermittent clashes in eastern regions have continued despite a notional ceasefire and diplomatic peace efforts, Reuters reported.
