1. United States
2. Ky.
3. Letter

Russia's indiscriminate and unjustified attacks on civilians in Ukraine violate all principles of warfare and human rights. The Ukrainian military must be empowered to defend its sovereign territory and people through any lawful means. Lifting restrictions on Ukraine's ability to strike all legitimate Russian military targets with U.S.-supplied weapons would help counter Russia's blatant aggression. Kiev should not be artificially constrained from using the full scope of defensive capabilities at its disposal to repel the invading forces. The status quo unfairly advantages Russia by allowing it to regroup and intensify bombardments without consequence. Permitting Ukraine to target the sources of attacks, like airfields and arms depots inside Russia's borders, could degrade Moscow's offensive capabilities and protect innocent Ukrainian lives. Diplomatic efforts at a ceasefire have failed thus far. In the face of Russia's unconscionable cruelty, Ukraine has an inherent right of self-defense that should not be unduly limited.