U.S. general backs lethal weapons

WASHINGTON – The United States should “seriously consider” providing Ukraine with lethal weapons, a top general said July 21. Gen. Mark Milley, who was nominated to be the next Army chief of staff, said he agreed with Marine Corps Commandant Joe Dunford that Russia poses the greatest threat to the United States because of its large nuclear arsenal and its “very, very aggressive” behavior since 2008. “They’ve attacked and invaded Georgia, they’ve seized the Crimea, they’ve attacked into Ukraine,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “That’s worrisome.” In view of the bombardment of Ukraine by artillery and rocket fire from Russian-backed rebels since last year, Gen. Milley said, “I would be in favor of [providing Kyiv with] lethal defensive equipment.” The United States has resisted equipping Ukraine with lethal weapons previously due to concerns about escalating the conflict. But Gen. Milley’s statement is the latest sign that the Pentagon may now be considering it. (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters and Defense News)