By M. Bilal Kenasari
WASHINGTON
A top U.S. defense leader told Congress on Wednesday he is not certain about the outcome of arming Ukraine against Russian separatists.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, the top NATO commander, told a House Armed Services Committee that arming Ukraine "could cause positive results, it could also cause negative results,” as he added, "what we are doing now is not changing the results on the ground.”
When asked what would be Moscow’s reaction to arming Ukraine, Breedlove responded by saying, “Clearly we don’t know what (Vladimir) Putin will do.”
He also said that regardless of the type of the weapons Ukraine may receive, "I do not believe Ukrainian forces can stop a Russian advance in eastern Ukraine … even with lethal arming support.”
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth also testified before the committee.
With the Pentagon set to sustain budget cuts next year, Wormuth addressed the effects of the reductions. “Our ability to sustain our posture in Europe is going to be at significant risk,” she said.
Despite an agreement signed Feb. 12 that called for a complete cease-fire between Ukraine and Russian backed separatists, the U.S. embassy in Russia has produced satellite images that appears to show Russian military equipment inside Ukraine’s borders.
Western powers have criticized Moscow for not respecting to the terms of the agreement.
Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday that Russia has repeatedly lied to him about its activities in Ukraine.
Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly asked the United States and other NATO members to supply its military with the defensive weapons to stand against the separatists.
While Republicans push the White House support Ukraine with weapons, polls indicate the U.S. public is divided on the issue.
According to a PEW Research Center survey, the U.S. public support for arming Ukraine has increased 11 points since last April.
While 53 percent oppose arming Ukraine, 41 percent support the U.S. sending arms and military supplies to the Ukrainian government.
In Russia, the state-owned Russian Public Opinion Research Center found 40 percent of Russians believe a global war would be triggered if the U.S. supplied weapons to Ukraine.
Since the conflict began last year, more than 5,300 people have been killed and 12,200 others injured, according to the UN high commissioner for human rights.
