Obama Urged by Former U.S. Officials to Arm Ukrainian Forces

Eight top former U.S. officials urged the White House to start sending lethal weaponry to Ukraine in its battle against pro-Russian rebels, adding to the pressure on the administration as fighting there has escalated again. Administration officials say they are focused on a diplomatic solution but are examining all options.

The call by the eight former officials came in a report on Monday that urges the administration and NATO to send $3 billion of military aid, including anti-armor missiles, to bolster Ukrainian forces over the coming three years.

An administration official familiar with President Barack Obama’s thinking said the president remains unconvinced that providing anything more than non-lethal aid or limited and purely defensive weapons is wise. Speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal policy deliberations, the official said such arms could destroy rather than promote attempts to devise a political solution.

Read the full article at Bloomberg Business.