With Congress greenlighting tens of billions of dollars to bolster Ukraine's defense efforts, a senior U.S. official revealed plans for potential expansion of training for Ukrainian troops. Despite ongoing challenges in recruitment, as Ukraine braces through its third year battling Russian incursion, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated readiness to increase support.
Addressing a select group at the White House, Sullivan outlined the readiness of the United States and its allies to broaden training initiatives. While U.S. military advisors are already present in Ukraine, direct training of local forces has yet to occur within the country's borders. The decision on whether to conduct training locally or at external facilities involves consultations among partner militaries, the U.S., and Ukraine, with the latter ultimately determining its requirements.
Sullivan's remarks follow a significant political triumph for the Biden administration, securing Congressional approval for approximately $61 billion in various forms of assistance to Ukraine. Despite prolonged deliberations, the aid bill garnered substantial bipartisan support after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson steered the legislation through hurdles within his own party.
The lion's share of military funding, exceeding $30 billion, is earmarked for replenishing depleted U.S. military stocks diverted to Ukraine and procuring new weaponry for the country. Notably, the bill also allocates around $11.3 billion for ongoing U.S. military endeavors in Europe, including the continuation of training for Ukrainian forces.
Since the onset of conflict in 2022, U.S. trainers relocated from Ukraine as Russia advanced, resuming operations in Germany. Training programs have since adapted to evolving battlefield dynamics and incorporate advanced weaponry systems.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities are mobilizing efforts to bolster their armed forces following successive battlefield setbacks, including enacting legislation to expand conscription age and requirements.
Sullivan emphasized a phased approach to any expansion of military training, contingent upon Ukraine's capacity-building efforts. Discussions within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, spearheaded by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, are pivotal in determining the necessity and timing of augmenting training activities.
In addition to European-based training initiatives, a cohort of Ukrainian pilots is undergoing F-16 fighter jet training at a National Guard facility in Arizona. Despite progress in the training process, specifics regarding deployment timelines remain elusive.
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