Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Warns Biden Administration Against Sending Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions

Man holding microphone, speaking with American flag behind.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a stern warning to the Biden Administration about the potential repercussions of sending long-range missiles to Ukraine.

At a Glance

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged the Biden administration not to allow Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range weapons to strike deep within Russian territory.
Kennedy emphasized his plea as a global citizen, not a political partisan.
The U.S. has prohibited Ukraine from using long-range weapons like ATACMS for strikes within Russian territory.
George Beebe, former CIA Russia analysis director, argued that providing Ukraine with long-range strike capabilities would not significantly improve their chances of winning the war.

Kennedy’s Strong Appeal

Amid the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced a clear message to President Joe Biden, urging against sending long-range missiles to Kyiv. Kennedy’s warning comes as a plea to prevent potentially severe international repercussions as highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threats of critical consequences.

Kennedy stressed his position not as a political figure but as a concerned global citizen. He emphasized that escalating the conflict in Ukraine with long-range missile provisions could bring unforeseen outcomes, potentially expanding the war’s scope and intensity.

Support from Intelligence Experts

Former CIA director George Beebe supports Kennedy’s warning. He argued that providing Ukraine with long-range strike capabilities would not significantly increase their chances of winning the war. Beebe pointed out that the conflict has become a war of attrition, where Russia’s population and military manufacturing advantages are significant factors.

“There is little reason to believe that the provision of these air-launched cruise missiles will significantly increase Ukraine’s chances of winning the war,” Beebe stated. He also emphasized the Russian advantages over Ukraine in terms of population and military manufacturing, suggesting that the missiles would not alter the balance radically.

DANGEROUS TERRITORY: RFK Jr. rips President Biden and his administration and warns against providing Ukraine with long-range missiles: https://t.co/VsCdUm2Uiv pic.twitter.com/4uLVHreWBZ

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 14, 2024

Current Stance of Biden Administration

Currently, the Biden administration prohibits Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied long-range weapons for attacks within Russian territory. However, Ukraine has been lobbying for lifting these restrictions to counteract Russian assaults. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has argued for the necessity of long-range capabilities and air defense systems to safeguard Ukrainian lives.

Kennedy has specifically criticized the move to send these missiles, labeling it as a “reckless escalation.” His criticism aligns with the position held by several Western nations, which have restricted Ukraine to using NATO-supplied weapons only for defensive purposes within its borders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued warnings to Western nations, stating that Moscow will take “appropriate decisions based on the threats.” This statement underscores the high-stakes nature of the discussions surrounding military aid to Ukraine.

International Reactions and Future Projections

The controversy has garnered broad international attention. Sweden and Finland, NATO’s newest members, have allowed Ukraine to use NATO-supplied weapons for long-range strikes, marking a significant shift in policy. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Biden recently convened to discuss the broader implications, focusing on European-made long-range missiles.

“Ukraine has a right to self-defense, and we stood united, not just with allies here in the U.S., but across with our NATO allies. That’s very, very important,” Starmer stated after the meeting. While there has been no formal change in the policy, Biden’s careful approach reflects cautious consideration of potential Russian retaliations, including threats to aid Iran against U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Ultimately, the debate over long-range missile provisions is far from settled, with both sides weighing the risks and benefits deeply. As the international community watches closely, the decisions made in the next few weeks could significantly impact the conflict’s trajectory and broader global stability.