The U.S. administration, under President Joe Biden, is urged to further ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American weaponry for strikes on Russian targets by a top member of the U.S. House of Representative’s defense committee, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota). In an exclusive interview with the Kyiv Independent, McCollum emphasized the need for increased defense capabilities for Ukrainian soldiers to effectively carry out their mission.
The recent decision allowing Ukraine to utilize U.S. weaponry for cross-border strikes on Russian territory marked a significant shift in policy. However, restrictions still exist on using more powerful weapons like the ATACM rockets. McCollum’s discussions with Ukrainian President Zelensky highlighted the urgent need for enhanced defense support to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity.
The upcoming NATO summit in Washington, D.C. is expected to address Ukraine’s financial assistance and ongoing support. As concerns about Biden’s presidential candidacy rise, McCollum and other House Democrats are advocating for lifting weapon restrictions to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities immediately.
Amidst political uncertainties, the NATO Summit presents a crucial platform to reaffirm the commitment to Ukraine’s security and stability, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive actions to address escalating conflicts in the region.