Key Takeaways:
– House Republicans, in a letter, called on the Biden administration to reverse a policy that restricts Ukraine from using American-made weapons to target deep inside Russia.
– These restrictions, they argued, are hampering Ukraine’s ability to resist and defeat Russia’s war of aggression.
– The push for the said policy reversal has increased after Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging western allies, including the US, to assist in this matter.
– The Biden administration has been cautious to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.
– Pressure from Democrats also mounts, calling for more flexibility in the use of US-provided weapons in Ukraine.
Pressure Intensifies on Biden Administration
Prominent House Republicans this week pressured President Joe Biden to revisit a policy that restricts Ukraine from utilizing American-provided tactical missiles to strike deep within Russian territory. They argue that such restrictions are thwarting Ukraine’s ability to decisively end Russia’s aggressive military exploits.
Testing the Long-Range Strikes Policy
In a poignant letter dated Monday, the Republicans, who lead essential committees in the House, articulated that the US needs to permit Ukraine to employ the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to target extensive areas within Russia. They stated, “As long as Russia continues its brutal, full-scale war of aggression, it must not be given a sanctuary from which it can perpetrate its war crimes against Ukraine with impunity.”
Signatories to the letter included GOP Reps. Mike Rogers of Alabama, who serves as the chair of the House Armed Services Committee; Michael McCaul of Texas and Mike Turner of Ohio, chairs of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Intelligence Committee, respectively.
Critical Voices Join the Cause
Several other prominent Republicans also supported the cause, including Reps. Ken Calvert of California, who chairs the defense subcommittee on the House appropriations; Thomas Kean from New Jersey, the chair of the European subcommittee in foreign affairs; and Richard Hudson of North Carolina, who heads the Helsinki Commission which focuses on security issues in Europe.
The contents of the letter add considerable pressure on the Biden administration, which has remained steadfast on the long-range strikes policy despite assertive efforts from both Ukrainian and US officials in recent weeks.
Increased Efforts Since Ukraine’s Invasion
The campaign to overturn the policy witnessed significant boosts after Ukraine initiated an invasion on Russia’s Kursk region in early August, crossing a previous major boundary set by Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been imploring the U.S. and other western allies for support, even making a prominent appeal during a recent meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group attended by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Biden administration has been notably wary of escalating tension with nuclear-armed Russia, opting to gradually dispatch more powerful weapons and revising policies intended to contain the war.
Blinken’s Stand on the Issue
Addressing the issue at a press conference in London this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that it is crucial to “factor in a number of critical elements” when deciding which weapons to provide Ukraine with. Although he assured that they would be “listening intently to our Ukrainian partners.”
Concerns Over Border Crossing Issues
Criticisms have risen as many argue that there seems to be no line that Kyiv can cross following the Russian forces’ extreme measures short of nuclear weapons across the 600-mile front in eastern Ukraine.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region in May, the Biden administration permitted Ukrainian forces to use American weapons to strike over the border, a move aimed at preventing cross-border attacks. However, the policy does not yet allow for deeper strikes into Russia.
Amplifying Democratic Pressure
Even Democrats have urged for action, endorsing Ukraine’s right to use American-provided weapons. Senator Ben Cardin and Representative Bill Keating, key Democratic figures, voiced their concerns publicly, calling for Biden to rethink the prevailing policy to counter Russian aggression more effectively.
Several reports hint that not only American weapons have been restricted from being used to strike deep inside Russia, but also British and French weapons. In light of this, Republicans criticized Biden for putting constraints on his allies too.
Possible Solutions and the Way Forward
Though Ukraine has utilized its long-range drones to target deep within Russia, including airbases and oil depots, these systems remain limited compared to the ATACMS. Using American and other western weapons could potentially aid Ukraine in targeting Russian airbases before planes can take off, dropping devastating glide bombs retrofitted with guidance systems.
A resolution is urgently needed, with Republicans refuting a claim that Russia has moved many of its glide bomb aircraft out of range. They argue that there are likely 200 targets within reach and that concerns about escalation have been proven unfounded throughout the conflict.
As the pressure continues to mount on President Biden’s administration, policymakers are grappling with finding the most impactful and safe way to deter Russia’s aggressive acts while ensuring Ukraine’s defense and security.