US should tell Russia it will provide Ukraine with F-16, ATACMS, Abrams to ensure Kremlin defeat on battlefield if needed

American diplomat Matthew Bryza stated this live on air of "West Studio with Antin Borkovsky" program on Espreso TV channel.

"As far as M1 Abrams tanks, F-16 and ATACMS, I personally feel that ATACMS is the priority, and I think that's right, because they are the ones that are being debated in Washington because of their longer range, they are more powerful, and, therefore, it is what Ukraine urgently needs now", he said.

In his opinion, they are purely defensive weapons.

"Regarding F-16 fighter jets, I still feel concerned in Washington that this will be seen as the US playing into Russian narrative that Ukraine is not actually at war, but that NATO and the US are waging an offensive war against Russia, which is a lie and false propaganda, but from a political point of view, possibility of such a narrative creates hesitation in Washington to provide F-16 fighter jets", Bryza said.

Diplomat believes that fighter jets can be transferred by another country.

"Poland may decide to provide F-16. Then, perhaps, given all that has happened since the last time this issue was discussed between Warsaw and Washington, maybe this time Washington will say: "Okay, give F-16 to Ukraine, and we will get you a new F-16 when we can, or it will probably be the F-35", he said.

Bryza stressed that discussion about fighter jets remains open.

"As for providing M1 Abrams, such a move would be seen as even more provocative by those in Washington who fear provoking Moscow. Personally, I believe that Ukraine fought with such skill, such brilliance and such courage that we really should provide your brave soldiers with more armored vehicles, M1 or some other systems. Of course, Ukraine needs these systems, and it is in our common interests for Ukraine to win this war and end military phase as soon as possible", he said.

In his opinion, the USA should clearly warn Moscow about providing weapons to Ukraine if needed.

"We have to call Putin's bluff and say we know you don't plan to use nuclear weapons. Say to Kremlin, 'you know and we know that NATO is not attacking you, but we are going to ensure your defeat on the battlefield, and  if M1, F-16 or ATACMS are needed for this, we will provide them to Ukraine". But debates in Washington have not yet reached this point", he concluded.