Biden administration has taken “risks” with Ukraine support - Sullivan

The Joe Biden administration has accepted significant “risks” in sending advanced weapons to Ukraine, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told the Aspen Security Forum, defending against charges that the U.S. was too timid in arming Kyiv.

That’s according to Politico, Ukrinform reports.

Much of the conference featured criticisms at the speed of America’s decision-making and delivery of air-defense systems, artillery, and ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke over video conference, complaining about the lack of F-16 fighter jets and long-range missiles that the U.S. had yet to provide.

Asked about those broadsides, the national security adviser rejected the narrative of a White House scared of raising Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hackles.

“One caricature is that the administration is sitting around, you know, unwilling to provide things because we’re worried about the Russians. I think that is belied by the sheer magnitude of the breadth and sophistication of the capabilities that we have provided,” Sullivan said. “We have been prepared to take risks, and we will continue to be prepared to take risks to provide support to Ukraine.”

At the same time, Sullivan noted that some caution was needed as the chance of severe escalation remains in place: “It is responsible for every member of NATO and for the United States to think about the Russian reaction when we choose to do something because that matters for our security and management of global stability. So don’t be paralyzed by it. Consider it and then make decisions accordingly.”