Smith urges Trump to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine, maintain sanctions against Russia

The top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee sent a letter to President Trump today urging him to provide lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

"Last week, we witnessed a new escalation in violence in Ukraine along the line of contact between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists," Rep. Adam Smith (WA) wrote. "Now is not the time to consider easing the sanctions levied on Russia or to back away from Ukraine. It is the time for the United States to stand firm."

Smith urged Trump to, at the very least, provide lethal defensive weapons to the Ukrainian military and to enforce current sanctions against Russia.

Smith also called on Trump to "do everything possible to peaceably resolve the ongoing conflict, starting with a strong signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin."

Trump has consistently praised Putin as a strong leader. Vice President Pence has also indicated that some of the sanctions on Russia could be lifted in the near future if Russia helps in the fight against terrorists.

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, annexing Crimea.

Earlier this month Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) sent a letter to the president, urging him to maintain the current sanctions against Russia and provide Ukraine "the assistance they need and deserve."

"Failing to do so now not only risks Ukraine's sovereignty, but the further erosion of American credibility," McCain wrote.