Biden admin is carefully reviewing legal issues surrounding arms supply to Ukraine

A Republican congressional aide stated that there was bipartisan frustration over the pace of aid.

Biden admin is carefully reviewing legal issues surrounding arms supply to Ukraine

However, officials from Biden's administration said that legal review is not slowing down things.

Multiple Congressional officials briefed to NBC News say that there are many calls for Ukraine to resist a Russian invasion . The Biden administration is currently examining legal issues about whether the United States can provide intelligence and weapons.

Biden administration officials insist that the lawyering is part a normal review process. However, Republicans in Congress and some Democrats have complained about how it slows down an urgent effort to increase weapons deliveries to Ukrainian Forces.

Emily Horne, spokeswoman for White House National Security Council said that "there is no legal review and debate that is slowing down anything." "We continue to actively provide assistance to Ukraine."

John Kirby, spokesperson for the Pentagon, stated Friday that "We know [the Ukrainians] need self-defense and we will do our best to fulfill them." We will continue to offer them ways to defend themselves."

Officials say that lawyers from the National Security Council are unsure if providing lethal assistance such as Stinger antiaircraft missiles and actionable intelligence to help Ukraine target Russian troops would be considered a part of the conflict under international law.

One Republican congressional aide stated that the reasoning behind it is 'escalatory.' "I would describe the frustration as broad-ranging and bipartisan.

Senior officials in the Biden administration disputed this, saying that "no NSC lawyers have raised objections regarding the provision of security aid to Ukraine."

Another take by a Democratic congressional aide.

He said, "Lots of things going on behind-the scenes." "Be careful about the partisans who sling mud. There are many rules regarding exports of lethal assistance. While everyone wants to help, there are some rules that must be followed because the past administrations were too slow with weapon transfers and sales. first reported the internal legal dispute over aid.

The Russian defense minister appealed to countries to send anti-aircraft weapons and anti-tank arms through Poland hours after Russia attacked Ukraine.

In a video, Defense Minister Alexey Raznikov stated that "We need as many Stinger and anti tank weapons as possible." You may also deliver equipment to Poland in order to ensure reliable procurement. We will then transport them across the country and quickly insulate our defense.

Former U.S. national security officers and retired military officers complained that the Biden administration was slow to provide military assistance to Ukraine despite numerous appeals from Kyiv. According to NBC News, the White House withheld a December military aid package to allow for more time for diplomatic relations with Moscow. In January, the military assistance was finally released.

The White House has denied the criticism and said it has responded quickly to provide $650 million in military aid over the past year. Officials also pointed out that Donald Trump delayed a military aid package for Ukraine and never provided Stinger missiles nor other air defenses. These require months of training.

NBC News reported that three US presidents -- Obama and Trump -- have left Ukraine without adequate air defenses, which are not up to the standards of Russian forces.

Now, lawmakers and other observers are urging the White House to respond to Ukraine's appeal to for weapons and equipment. President Biden is being urged to increase military aid to Ukraine in the face of a massive Russian assault.

"We have to accelerate delivery capabilities to the Ukrainians," stated Ben Hodges (retired lieutenant general) who was responsible for U.S. Army forces throughout Europe.

Hodges, who is now with the Center for European Policy Analysis think-tank, stated that "we've got to be able to have something like a Berlin Airlift." "Javelins, and particularly stingers, would be very efficient."

Rep. Jason Crow (D.-Colo.), a member the House Armed Services Committee said that he believes we should continue to supply weapons, ammunition and other supplies via overland routes to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

Congress Republicans have introduced legislation to create a Ukraine Resistance Fund to aid Kyiv in resisting Russian attempts to take control.

On Morning Joe, Republican Senator Ben Sasse stated that "We have never been urgent enough" and that he needed to ensure that no Ukrainian resistance fighters are afraid of running out of ammunition. "The president must lead the charge on this urgent matter.

Republicans in Congress believe that Biden should have sent more arms sooner. For example, Senator Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has said for some time, including in private conversations with Biden, that the U.S. should have more weapons for Ukraine to prevent a Russian invasion. Republicans see parallels in what they consider the failure of the administration to plan coherently to extract Americans and Afghan partners following the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban.

In an email to NBC News, Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, stated that the administration must take immediate action to arm the Ukrainians.

He stated that he had been arguing for months about the need to send more lethal aid to Ukraine. This included Stingers, small arms, and other equipment that could be used to help the Ukrainian people defend themselves. "Now is not a time to drag your feet. The administration pledged to support a resistance movement, and they must keep that promise.

Democrats counter that, given Trump's record in Ukraine -- he was impeached because he delayed a lethal assistance package for personal reasons -- Republicans don't have a leg to stand on this issue.

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