Two top U.S. lawmakers have called for the United States to arm Ukraine in its battle against pro-Russian separatists and Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
Senator Robert Menendez (Democrat-New Jersey), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Ukraine needed arms to fight off what he called a Russian "invasion."
Menendez, speaking on CNN from Kyiv, said Washington should provide Ukraine "with the types of defensive weapons that will impose a cost upon [Russian President Vladimir] Putin."
Senator John McCain (Republican-Arizona), asked rhetorically on CBS television: "Can't we help these people defend themselves? This is not an incursion. This is an invasion."
The Obama administration refuses to call Russian activity in Ukraine an invasion.
Moscow denies claims by Western countries and NATO that there are at least 1,000 Russian forces in Ukraine.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
When Russian Soldiers Toured U.S. Nuclear Missile Bases
2California Connection: Chinese Electronics Fueling Russia's War
3Russian Woman Arrested In U.S. For Alleged Ties To Russian Intelligence
4Trump Has Sought Orban's Take On Ukraine War, Sources Tell RFE/RL
5Ukraine Live Briefing: NATO Makes Infrastructure Protection A Priority
6Georgian President Calls Parliament 'Illegitimate' As U.S. Suspends 'Strategic Partnership'
7Police Force Protesters From Parliament On Sixth Night Of Tbilisi Protests
8Moscow Bars, Nightclubs Raided Amid Crackdown On LGBT Community
9Taliban Orders Further Restrictions On Medical Education For Women -- Sources
10How Russia Prepares Children In Occupied Ukraine For War Against Their Own Country
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
