Bipartisan Pressure Mounts on Biden to Ease Ukraine Weapon Restrictions

The Biden administration is facing heightened pressure from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied weapons. This call for action comes amid recent Russian attacks and ongoing urging from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Key discussions were held during top officials' meeting in Kyiv, but no changes have yet been announced.

The Biden administration is under increasing pressure from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to relax restrictions on how Ukraine can utilize U.S.-supplied weapons in its conflict with Russia.

Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, highlighted recent civilian casualties and infrastructure damage from Russian attacks, advocating for a change in policy. 'It's time to allow Ukraine to defend itself more effectively against air attacks, and the United States needs to take the lead,' Cardin remarked in a committee hearing.

Despite pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the White House remains cautious about permitting U.S. weapons to target sites deep within Russia, fearing conflict escalation. Discussions intensified during meetings in Kyiv with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy, but no policy changes were announced. Meanwhile, both Republicans and Democrats have written to Biden officials, calling for an end to current restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies.)