U.S. President Donald Trump's administration approved the commercial sale of lethal weapons to Ukraine, the first time such permissions have been granted, The Washington Post reported Dec. 20. The weapons will assist Ukrainian forces in their fight against the Russian-backed separatist movement. According to officials in the Trump administration, the U.S. State Department approved a $41.5 million sale in December, authorizing commercial licenses to export Model M107A1 Sniper Systems, ammunition and other parts to Ukraine. On Nov. 27, U.S. special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker expressed support for an arms deal, citing the need for Ukraine to defend its territory.