Can anyone explain the difference?

[gaskinite]

It is my understanding that NATO and the United States have sent rifles, pistols, ammo, anti tank missiles, surface to air missiles and other weapons to Ukraine in the past two months. This week I read that artillery and armored personnel carriers were being delivered.

I suppose this is considered “lethal aid”.

Why not send lethal aid in the form of aircraft?

To push it a little farther why not put a Ukrainian admiral aboard a guided missile cruiser whether it be French, UK or US and let him give the order to fire at specific targets.

To use a poor metaphor. It is kind of like having sex and afterward bemoaning the fact that no condom was used.

[Karadeniz]

1. You've got an idea there about letting a Ukrainian command an allied ship.

[Triloon]

2. Defensive vs. Offensive weaponry.

NATO fighter/bombers sent to Ukr is an offensive act against Ru by NATO, and not defensive support. We could send them long range ballistic missiles too, but no one would consider those defensive. I know 'offensive/defensive' may be a little fuzzy, but fuzzy is to be avoided, and so it is.

[SmallFry]

3. We have not really authorized the transfer of any...

Offensive weapons. I believe we breached that rule yesterday or today. Still, no aircraft. But we are now sending offensive weapons.

[gratuitous]

4. Where do you want those aircraft to fly?

If they go into Russian airspace, we could be looking at World War III. If they stay in Ukrainian air space, they could be shot down by Russian batteries in Russia.

Either way it doesn't seem like a good use of aircraft.

[gaskinite]

6. IMHO

Putin will lob bombs and missiles at one of the neighboring NATO countries. When and if that happens…Bessie bar the door.

[albacore]

5. Biden is walking a tightrope. Our opponent is a megalomaniac... with nuclear weapons...

I'd send any kind of weapon the Ukraine wants short of nukes, but then again.... I ain't in charge. And that's probably a good thing.

Lots and lots of NLAWs and Harpoons and Switchblades.... LOTS...

[gaskinite]

7. Heavy artillery and Armored troop transports

Offensive weapons. Hell shoulder fired missiles are offensive in nature. My initial point was where does one draw the line re: offensive vs defensive weapons.

Another poster asked where military air craft would fly. I suggest that a dozen fighter bombers could destroy the Russian convoys in about 15 minutes and be home for scones and tea by 7:00 am local time.