US weighing weapons shipments to Ukraine?

The Obama administration is considering whether to provide weapons to Ukraine’s military for the first time in the face of new attacks by pro-Russian separatists, according to The New York Times.

{mosads}For months, lawmakers from both parties have urged President Obama to approve requests from Ukraine for lethal military aid. The White House has rejected those calls, arguing that doing so might make Russian President Vladimir Putin take more aggressive action against Kiev.

Several administration officials told the newspaper that Secretary of State John Kerry and Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are open to discussions on the idea. Gen. Philip Breedlove, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, also reportedly supports providing lethal aid.

“Although our focus remains on pursuing a solution through diplomatic means, we are always evaluating other options that will help create space for a negotiated solution to the crisis,” said National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan.

The topic is likely to come up when Obama hosts German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House on Feb. 9. The two are expected to discuss ways to increase pressure on Moscow, including additional economic sanctions.

Dozens were killed in a separatist attack on the port of Mariupol late last month, another breach of a five-month ceasefire agreement between Kiev and the separatists.

To date, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with millions in nonlethal military aid, including food rations, blankets, night vision goggles, protective vests, countermortar radar, and communications and transportation gear.