The Republican chairman and top Democrat on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee are stepping up their pressure on the Obama administration to support Ukraine with weapons to defend against attacks from anti-government insurgents backed by Russia.
Victoria Nuland, the US ambassador to Ukraine, testified today that President Barack Obama has not yet made a decision on the issue.
Nuland said the US deplores Russia's activities in neighboring Ukraine in a conflict that has claimed more than 6,000 lives. She says Obama has received recommendations and advice from cabinet agencies, but that he has not yet decided on the issue of sending arms to Kiev.
Many European governments oppose any US move to provide military support for Ukraine's government, fearing that might spark a wider proxy war with Russia.
