As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues into its third year, the United States has announced plans to intensify its military support for Ukrainian forces. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the U.S. and its partners are prepared to expand training efforts for Ukrainian troops, responding to Kyiv’s evolving needs in the ongoing war.
Following Congressional approval of approximately $61 billion in military, humanitarian, and economic assistance for Ukraine, the U.S. administration is acting to replenish American stockpiles and expedite the delivery of new weapons to Ukraine. The military funding includes about $11.3 billion specifically allocated for U.S. military operations in Europe, which encompasses the ongoing American military training for Ukrainian forces.
While current U.S. military advisers in Ukraine are not involved in training local forces, with all U.S.-supported training taking place outside of the country, the possibility of enhancing this aspect of support is under discussion. According to Sullivan, the decision on whether to extend basic training within Ukraine or continue utilizing facilities outside the country, where U.S. and partner training is already established, lies with Ukraine. “We’re at the stage right now where that’s a consultation among partner militaries, the U.S. and Ukraine, and it’s ultimately up to Ukraine to say, ‘Here’s our need, can you meet it?'” Sullivan highlighted during a roundtable with reporters.
The escalation of training support coincides with Ukraine’s efforts to replenish its ranks after significant battlefield losses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently signed legislation lowering the draft age to 25 and mandating all men between 18 and 60 to carry military registration documents.
The scope of the training is expected to be calibrated based on Ukraine’s success in boosting its forces. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been in discussions with allies through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group regarding the need to either expand or adjust the training happening in Europe. “So from our perspective, being able to expand and enhance training is something that we’re set up and ready to do,” Sullivan said, emphasizing the importance of determining the necessary scale and timing for taking additional Ukrainian personnel through the training.
In addition to the training efforts in Europe, Ukrainian pilots are being trained on F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets at a National Guard base in Arizona. While the timeline for the first deployments of F-16s to Ukraine remains uncertain, officials have previously estimated that the jets could start flying in Ukraine by mid-summer.
The overall international effort to support Ukraine is robust, with the United Kingdom announcing an additional $620 million in military supplies, including long-range missiles and ammunition. Belgium has also committed to accelerating the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, aiming to fulfill its pledge by the end of 2024.”We will do everything possible to deliver the planes by the end of the year,” Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder said, “I want to make it clear that our own security will not be jeopardized.”
Relevant articles:
– US Ready to Train More Ukrainian Troops If Called Upon, Top White House Official Says, Military, 04/28/2024
– Pentagon set to send $1 billion in new military aid to Ukraine once bill clears Senate and Biden, AOL, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 04:01:33 GMT
– Ukraine to Receive Expedited Delivery of F-16s, Newsweek, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 01:39:32 GMT
– Australia’s ‘critical’ new $100m Ukraine aid, Yahoo News Australia, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 08:47:26 GMT
– Australia pledges $100 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, SBS News, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 02:04:07 GMT