Advanced anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons have helped the Ukrainians stop the Russian advance, but the Ukrainians won’t be able to mount large scale counteroffensives to throw the Russians back without weapons designed for that purpose. As a result, Zelensky quite reasonably is asking for tanks and planes. Should he get them?
We are walking a tightrope here. On the one hand, the most desirable outcome of the war–the complete expulsion of Russian forces from Ukraine–is impossible unless we give Zelensky what he wants. On the other hand, giving him offensive weapons may cause the Russians to escalate, with possible catastrophic results. The red line is in Putin’s mind, not on paper. It’s a tough call.
Since it is highly unlikely that Ukraine would ever launch a ground assault on Russian territory, my best guess is that tanks wouldn’t cross the line. Fighters and bombers would worry me more. If I were Biden, I would split the difference.