US military experts are lining up on different sides of the barricades in a dispute over whether to supply lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine, which would be a turning point in US policy towards the conflict between Kiev and the pro-Russian separatists.

Supporters of this step, which is discussed in the administration of Donald Trump, believe that this had to be done a long time ago. The current policy, which provides only the supply of non-lethal military equipment, did not contribute either to restraining Russian aggression or cooperation with Moscow in the direction of the conflict settlement, they insist.

"I do not think that Russia has given us an opportunity for more positive cooperation in Ukraine," said Molly McKew, an independent analyst at Fianna Strategies, a consulting company.. - Perhaps in other places. But I definitely do not see this. So, in my opinion, it's time to reconsider our strategy ".

"Ukraine does not ask for foreign troops to enter the country and fought with it, it only asks to give it the opportunity to wage war as it should be done," she added in an interview with the Ukrainian service of "Voice of America".

Other supporters of this approach insist that such a decisive message would be very timely after Russia responded to US sanctions by closing US diplomats' access to diplomatic property in Moscow and demanding a reduction in the staffing of embassies and consulates by 755 by September 1.

However, opponents of this step believe that the supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine can lead to an escalation of the conflict and response measures from the Kremlin, which has already condemned this possible step.

"I think it would be much more reasonable to partially revise the assistance that is already being provided ... and not plan it in the short term, since the major battles on the fronts have already passed," said Michael Kofman, a private research organization at CNA Corporation.

In his opinion, the US "should think more about the medium and long-term prospects of the Ukrainian army and about the Ukrainian army that we would like to help them build".

US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker rejects the argument that the supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine will provoke Russia. "I hear arguments that this will be some kind of provocation for Russia or push Ukraine to attack. These arguments are simply wrong.. First, Russia is already present in Ukraine with heavy weapons. There are more Russian tanks there than in all of Western Europe. This is a very powerful military presence.

And an even more powerful military presence surrounds Ukraine from the Russian territory, "he said in an interview on July 25 with the" Now "program, a joint project of" Voice of America "and Radio Liberty.

All analysts agree that, given Russia's considerable military advantage over Ukraine, the supply of US arms would be more moral and political support for Kiev, and will not make a decisive contribution to ensuring Ukrainian security.

Voice of America.