WASHINGTON (AP) – The Republican chairman and ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee are stepping up their pressure on the Obama administration to support Ukraine with weapons to defend against attacks from anti-government insurgents backed by Russia.
Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland testified Wednesday that President Barack Obama has not yet made a decision on the issue.
Nuland said the U.S. deplores Russia’s activities in neighboring Ukraine in a conflict that has claimed more than 6,000 lives. She says Obama has received recommendations and advice from cabinet agencies, but that he has not yet decided on the issue of sending arms to Kiev.
Many European governments oppose any U.S. move to provide military support for Ukraine’s government, fearing that might spark a wider proxy war with Russia.