Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador said on Wednesday any decision by President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration to cut support for Ukraine would be a "death sentence" for the Ukrainian army,

Russia’s deputy UN ambassador said on Wednesday that any decision by president-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration to cut support for Ukraine would be a ‘death sentence’ for the Ukrainian army.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired lieutenant general in the US military, to be special envoy to Ukraine and Russia in his second administration. Kellogg is likely to be at the centre of negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, should Russia and Ukraine agree to take part.

American officials are acknowledging that the U.S. won’t be able to spend all of the money authorized to transfer arms to Kyiv by Jan. 20.

The proposed funds, which are aimed at avoiding a disruption in support during a change of administration, could be included in a package of decisions to avert a government shutdown next month. The allocation includes $8 billion for contracts with American companies to supply arms to Ukraine and $16 billion to replenish the US weapons stockpile.