US Congress advocates for faster weapons supply to Ukraine to support counteroffensive

In the US Congress, some lawmakers want to push the administration of President Joe Biden to quickly provide Ukraine with the weapons necessary for a successful counter-offensive.

The Voice of America reported this.

In particular, Texas Republican congressman Keith Self said that "long-range artillery is more important than F-16" for Ukraine.

"As I already told President Zelensky when I was in Ukraine, I believe that the Ukrainians need long-range artillery more than F-16. I do not understand why we do not provide them with ATACMS ballistic missiles; they can be missiles of the first block or second. These missiles are launched from HIMARS installations, which the Ukrainians already have. Therefore, I believe that artillery is more important for Ukraine than F-16 aircraft," he said.

At the same time, Democratic congresswoman from Pennsylvania Madeleine Dean believes that Ukraine should be provided with everything it needs as soon as possible, but on the condition that the weapons will not be used to attack Russia.

"I am very pleased with the administration's decision to train Ukrainian forces to operate F-16 fighter jets. My personal request to the administration is more, more and more. More than anything that may be needed. So that we can be sure that Ukraine will win this war and will do it sooner rather than later, so that we can save lives, save their property, save the culture and everything valuable that is Ukraine," she said.

Dean added that Ukraine should be given everything it needs to win.

Ann Wagner, a Republican congresswoman from Missouri, noted that the Biden administration is not providing aid to Kyiv fast enough. In addition, according to her, NATO countries should take a more active role in helping Ukraine and, in general, in ensuring the Alliance.

"We must give Ukraine all the weapons and tools they need to defeat Putin. If the Ukrainians are willing to fight and sacrifice their own lives, we here in America, as well as all NATO members, must support the Ukrainians with everything necessary and as soon as possible," she said.

Democratic Congressman Jim Costa believes that it is only a matter of time before Ukraine gets fighter jets after the training. Regarding long-range missiles, Costa believes that Congress should continue to pressure the Biden administration at the bipartisan level on this issue as well.

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It should be noted that the head of the presidential office, Andrii Yermak, said that the training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 will begin "in coming days or weeks".
It should be noted that in the future, the Ukrainian military may receive several dozen F-16 fighter jets, and they will probably be transferred in units.

In the summer of 2023, Great Britain will begin basic training of Ukrainian pilots to fly Western combat jets.

The press service of the British government reported this on Monday as Ukrainian President Zelensky visits the UK today for meetings with British leaders.

EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell hopes Ukraine will soon receive F-16 fighter jets.

The United States has given the green light for third countries to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. Negotiations in this regard are ongoing.

Several European states have announced the start of training programs for Ukrainian military pilots to use jets.