WASHINGTON -- As Washington once again wrestles with the question of how far the United States should go in supporting Ukraine, a resolution from one of the country's most geographically distant states has added a new voice to the debate.

The Hawaii State Senate has urged President Donald Trump and Congress to provide Ukraine with weapons to defend itself against Russia and recover territory recognized as Ukrainian under international law.

Senate Resolution 179 passed in early summer, with three of the 25 state senators -- all Republicans -- voting against it. It was subsequently transmitted to federal officials and, earlier this week, was entered into the Congressional Record as a memorial from the Hawaii Legislature and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

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The resolution is nonbinding and cannot direct US foreign policy. But its arrival in Congress comes as bipartisan support for additional pressure on Russia is again being tested.

Hawaii's measure also cannot appropriate money, order weapons shipments, or compel Trump or Congress to adopt a particular policy. Its significance instead lies in the message and the fact that it was formally delivered to federal officials.

In June, the US House approved a Ukraine Support Act authorizing more than $1 billion in assistance, up to $8 billion in military financing loans, reconstruction support, and new sanctions on Russia. The measure passed 226-195, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats.

In late July, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to advance legislation that would expand sanctions on Russia and Iran and give Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.

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Against that backdrop, Hawaii's resolution illustrates that support for Kyiv is being expressed beyond Washington, including by state lawmakers with no direct role in foreign policy.

The resolution was originally introduced by Democratic state Senators Karl Rhoads, Lorraine Inouye, and Angus McKelvey. Rhoads, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was its first sponsor.

Speaking to RFE/RL on August 12, Rhoads said he felt Hawaii had not spoken forcefully enough about Ukraine in recent years.

'The Don't Have Enough Ballistic Missiles'

One of his main concerns is Ukraine's shortage of air defenses, particularly systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. "One of the big problems, of course, Ukrainians face at this point is that they don't have enough anti-ballistic missiles to keep Kyiv from being pounded every night," Rhoads said.

That point was driven home by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said during a CNN interview on August 12 that Ukraine needs at least 5 percent of the current US stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles to ward off surging Russian ballistic missile attacks, while 10 would be enough to stop all Russian ballistic missile attacks.

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The resolution says US assistance has helped Ukraine defend itself, conduct counteroffensives, and provide humanitarian relief. It calls for continued weapons supplies to defend Ukrainian sovereignty and recover territory recognized as Ukrainian under international law.

It also urges Trump to negotiate the withdrawal of Russian forces.

Rhoads' call for more weapons comes as Washington's debate has shifted toward the mix of military assistance and economic pressure that could change the course of the war.

He said Ukraine needs additional air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles as well as longer-range weapons.

Rhoads also defended Ukrainian strikes against targets deep inside Russia, saying they had brought the war "home to Russia." "I think more longer-range weaponry would be a good idea," he said.

He acknowledged the disparity between Ukraine and Russia, which is larger and has received military assistance from countries such as North Korea and Iran. China's relationship with Moscow, he said, has further complicated the strategic picture.

Rhoads said he was encouraged by growing recognition in Europe that European countries must assume more responsibility for their own security. He pointed to Finland and Sweden joining NATO after Russia's full-scale invasion.

"I think they're realizing that they have to play a bigger role than they have," he said.

Rhoads said he hoped Europe would "pick up the slack," but added: "We really should do more."