U.S. still not ready to give Ukraine lethal aid

Leaders remain concerned about Russian response.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is still struggling with whether to provide lethal, defensive weapons to Ukraine amid concerns that such a move might only escalate Russia’s military campaign there, U.S. defense leaders told Congress Wednesday.

Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, the top NATO commander, told the House Armed Services Committee that he has laid out military options the administration could consider for Ukraine, ranging from sending small arms to more sophisticated weapons that would take longer to arrive and require exten- sive training.

Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimea region last year and has supported Russian-backed separatists in the east.

Christine Wormuth, defense undersecretary for policy, said officials were discussing the possibility of sending defensive lethal aid to Ukraine that would not “fundamentally alter” the military balance of the war there but would give Ukraine a better ability to defend itself.

“Russia continues to build their forces, continues to provide capability to the eastern Ukrainians. So, the fact that we’re not doing (that) now is not changing their path forward,” Breedlove said. “So I think that we have to be cognizant that if we arm the Ukrainians, it could cause positive results. It could cause negative results. But what we’re doing right now is not changing the results on the ground.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry told lawmakers that the U.S. and its European allies are ready to impose new costs on Russia through fresh sanctions as a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine fails to take hold.

“We are poised yet to do another round potentially, depending on what happens with (the ceasefire) in these next few days,” he said.

The comments came as U.S. and its allies also wrestle with where Russian President Vladimir Putin might next turn his attention after Ukraine.

Breedlove and Wormuth said they are worried most that Russia might move on to destabilize non-NATO countries such as Montenegro or Moldova and expand its assault in Ukraine.

VADIM GHIRDA/AP Russia-backed rebels ride an armored transporter Wednesday to the Donetsk, Ukraine, airport, which was destroyed in fierce fighting for control of the city.