(CNN) The Trump administration is now allowing the export of arms to Ukraine, marking a potentially significant turn against Russia.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the department notified Congress on December 13 that it had approved an export license, which allows Ukraine to buy certain light weapons and small arms from US manufacturers.

"The US government is not selling the Ukrainian government these weapons," she said.

The US has not provided lethal defensive equipment to Ukraine, Nauert said, nor has it ruled out doing so.

Nauert's confirmation of the decision included a statement that President Donald Trump's predecessors had approved exports to Ukraine.

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