“There’s no question that the ongoing offensive in the east [of Ukraine] by the Russians is increasing support in Congress to make this happen and happen quickly,” Herbst said.
Herbst coauthored a report in early February calling for the US to authorize $3 billion for training, equipment, and lethal defensive military aid to Ukraine over the course of three years.
“We’ve briefed many people about our report, including on Capitol Hill,” Herbst said.
Asked whether members of Congress were concerned about the consequences of US arms provisions, Herbst said the arguments against arming Ukraine are not that strong, and “the Congress, I would say, agrees with that.”
The report, coauthored with former NATO commanders and US President Barack Obama administration officials, calls on the United States to provide Ukraine with anti-armor missiles, counterbattery radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and any necessary training. The report’s authors also call on other NATO allies to provide Ukraine with military equipment.
