American Congressmen from the House Standing Committee on Intelligence issued a strong appeal to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. They demand that Ukraine receive permission to use US-made weapons to strike targets in Russia, BTA reports.
This request aims to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force and increase its air defense capabilities, as reported by Ukrinform.
After discussions with members of the Ukrainian parliament, US lawmakers emphasized the critical need for Ukraine to have the ability to target strategic locations in Russia.
This, according to them, is essential for Ukraine to effectively defend itself against Russian aggression. The proposal includes not only providing weapons, but also training more Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots and strengthening the country's air defense systems.
The letter to the US defense secretary raises concerns that the current US administration could limit Ukraine's ability to use US-supplied weapons for operations on Russian soil.
"It is essential that the Biden administration provides the Ukrainian military leadership with the ability to conduct the full range of operations necessary to respond to Russia's unprovoked attack on their sovereign soil," the letter, quoted by BTA, reads.
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In addition, MPs advocate increasing the number of trained Ukrainian F-16 pilots and significantly improving Ukraine's air defense mechanisms.
The move is seen as a crucial step in ensuring Ukraine's ability to defend itself and deter further aggression from Russia.