Biden delays Ukraine’s requested weapons approval… once more.
President Biden Stalls Approval of Weapons for Ukraine, Again
President Joe Biden has once again halted the approval of weapons for Ukraine, despite the country’s plea for assistance in countering Russia.
Ukraine has persistently requested access to Lockheed Martin’s ATACMS missiles, which have an impressive range of 190 miles and could effectively target Russian troops occupying Ukraine. Recent reports circulated suggesting that the White House was considering sending the missiles, with an imminent decision expected. However, the president has decided not to include the missiles in a $325 million aid package that will be announced on Thursday, coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House, according to an anonymous official quoted by Reuters on Wednesday.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Biden has repeatedly hesitated to fulfill Ukraine’s requests for advanced weaponry, only to later reverse his decision.
In March 2022, when Poland offered to supply MiG-29 fighter jets to replenish Ukraine’s Air Force, the Biden administration initially rejected the deal due to concerns about flying planes from NATO territory into the war zone. However, Biden changed his stance in May and supported a plan for a coalition of countries to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s, which they would eventually use in the conflict.
Shortly after rejecting Poland’s proposal, Biden also announced that he would not send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, which could have been used to counter Russian aerial threats. However, nine months later, the Pentagon revealed that it was finalizing a plan to send the missiles after all.
In January, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the administration would not provide M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, expressing concerns that it would burden Ukraine with systems they couldn’t maintain or afford. However, just a week later, Biden reversed his decision and approved the tank transfer.
In December, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby expressed the administration’s reservations about sending cluster munitions to Ukraine, only for the administration to once again change course and send the munitions seven months later.
Requests for comment from the White House and the Pentagon have gone unanswered.
Why did the administration reverse its decision and approve the sale of fighter jets to Ukraine?
On initially declined the offer, citing concerns about escalating tensions with Russia. However, just days later, the administration reversed its decision and approved the sale of 12 MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine to bolster its defense capabilities. This pattern of hesitation followed by approval has been a recurring theme in President Biden’s approach to providing aid to Ukraine.
The decision to withhold the approval of weapons for Ukraine yet again raises questions about the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting its ally in the face of Russian aggression. Ukraine has been on the receiving end of ongoing attacks and encroachments by Russian forces, with the situation escalating in recent months. The request for ATACMS missiles, which have a proven track record of effectiveness against similar threats, is a reasonable and justifiable one. However, the repeated stalling of the approval process suggests a lack of urgency and resolve on the part of the Biden administration.
Some argue that President Biden’s hesitancy may be motivated by a desire to avoid further antagonizing Russia and potentially sparking a larger conflict. However, it is important to acknowledge that Russia’s actions in Ukraine have already violated international norms and have resulted in the loss of numerous lives. Failing to provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons to defend itself sends a message of appeasement and emboldens Russia in its aggressive actions.
The United States has historically played a crucial role in supporting countries facing external aggression. In the case of Ukraine, providing assistance in the form of advanced weaponry would not only enhance its defense capabilities but also send a strong message of solidarity and deterrence to Russia. By refusing to fulfill Ukraine’s request for ATACMS missiles, President Biden risks undermining the trust and confidence of an ally that is desperately seeking support in a critical moment.
It is vital for the Biden administration to reconsider its decision and prioritize the defense and security of Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is not just a regional issue; it has global implications and sets a precedent for how the international community responds to acts of aggression. The United States, as a leader in the global arena, must demonstrate unwavering support for countries facing external threats.
President Biden’s decision not to include ATACMS missiles in the upcoming aid package sends a concerning message about the administration’s commitment to Ukraine’s security. It is essential for the United States to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side, providing the necessary assistance to combat Russian aggression and safeguard the sovereignty of a nation that has long aspired to deepen its ties with the West.
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