The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a resolution urging president Barack Obama to send weapons to Ukraine, to bolster Kyiv’s fight against separatist rebels in the country’s east.

"Unfortunately for Ukrainians and for international security, President Obama has chosen inaction in the guise of endless deliberation."

The resolution was approved by 348 votes to 48.

The vote ups the pressure on Obama, who has been facing criticism for being slow to take action.

“Unfortunately for Ukrainians and for international security, (US) President (Barack) Obama has chosen inaction in the guise of endless deliberation,” said Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, (Republican) Representative for Florida, addressing the House.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has requested weapons and technology from the US.

The Obama administration has said that the president is still weighing the decision, waiting to see whether the international agreements that led to February’s ceasefire are implemented.