Former [[Warsaw Pact]] members which had joined [[NATO]] sent their old [[Soviet]]-era junk to [[Ukraine]], not out of fear of Russia or [[Vladimir Putin]], but in exchange for new U.S. taxpayer-funded replacement equipment. The exchange of equipment kept Raytheon and other defense contractors employed, as well as Congressional funds flowing for upgrades and development of new weapons systems. Likewise Raytheon [[lobbyist]]s in turn [[kickback]] donations out of the funds received from government contracts to members of congress' campaign committees. | Former [[Warsaw Pact]] members which had joined [[NATO]] sent their old [[Soviet]]-era junk to [[Ukraine]], not out of fear of Russia or [[Vladimir Putin]], but in exchange for new U.S. taxpayer-funded replacement equipment. The exchange of equipment kept Raytheon and other defense contractors employed, as well as Congressional funds flowing for upgrades and development of new weapons systems. Likewise Raytheon [[lobbyist]]s in turn [[kickback]] donations out of the funds received from government contracts to members of congress' campaign committees. |