U.S. Senator Jack Reed is calling for additional military assistance to help the Ukrainian government as fighting worsens with Russian-backed separatists. Reed is the ranking Democrat of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Reed and Armed Services Committee Chair Senator John McCain, are asking the Obama administration to commit to aid in the form of defensive weaponry. That includes things like anti-tank weapons, and rocket locating radar systems.
Reed said other countries should join the U.S. in helping Ukraine. “The United States should not undertake this effort alone, and should work with willing allies and partners to aid Ukraine.”
He said the move would send a strong message. “It will hopefully give the Russians and the Russian-backed separatists pause regarding any further thoughts of further escalation or violations of their commitments to find a political resolution to the crisis.”
However, Reed says this does not mean he is in support of sending troops to Ukraine. Top NATO officials have warned nations of potential Russian retaliation, should they provide military assistance to Ukraine. Reed says he wants to see continued effort on a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
