US lawmakers want Biden to establish field hospitals for Ukraine

WASHINGTON

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers demand the Biden administration establish field hospitals on Ukraine's borders, and expedite other medical aid, ahead of an expected Russian push to take eastern Ukraine.

The letter, signed by 17 Democratic and Republican members of the House of Representatives, asks Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to immediately provide Ukraine with armored ambulances, and establish military field hospitals in Poland to treat sick and wounded fighters.

"These field hospital centers should also work in cooperation with Polish authorities as well as humanitarian organizations providing assistance along the border (including U.N. entities and local and international non-governmental organizations) and take into account international humanitarian principles in any activities," the wrote.

The lawmakers further requested the administration increase operations at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to provide medical assistance to Ukrainian fighters whose injuries are too grave to be treated at the field hospitals.

"At the beginning of April, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned of a protracted conflict in Ukraine; therefore, we need to bolster the Ukrainian and surrounding NATO countries’ healthcare and medical capabilities," they said.

Asked about the letter, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed the Defense Department has received it, and will "take it seriously and respond appropriately."

Thousands of Ukrainian troops are estimated to have died in the conflict, and thousands more have been wounded, since Russia began its assault on the country on Feb. 24.

President Joe Biden has authorized two $800 million military aid packages in the past two weeks to bolster the Ukrainian military, including with heavy artillery systems, drones and ammunition his administration believes will be integral to defending against the upcoming phase of Russia's war.

Since the war began on Feb. 24, the civilian death toll in Ukraine has climbed to 2,435 while 2,946 others have been injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be much higher.

More than 5 million Ukrainians have fled to other countries, with over 7 million more internally displaced, according to a UN tally.