US never checked how $35 bn in Europe defense aid was spent since 2015

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Jul 2023 09:09

Over the span of nine years, the Pentagon has failed to submit a clear report of how the US defense aid to Europe is being spent.

In this image provided by the U.S. Air Force, pallets of ammunition, weapons and other equipment bound for Ukraine are loaded on a plane by members from the 436th Aerial Port Squadron during a foreign military sales mission at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Jan. 30, 2022. (AP)

In a span of eight to nine years, the US has spent more than $35 billion to enhance NATO's European allies' preparedness against alleged "Russian aggression." However, the Pentagon has failed to determine if the funds were properly spent, a new government report determined.

In a new report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said that even though the US spent tens of billions on NATO preparedness, the Defense Department has still not set out any performance goals or assessment programs to see if the money was spent both effectively and properly, adding that "The [Department of Defense's] European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) helps boost the military readiness of European allies and deter Russian aggression."

The United States has spent billions since 2015 through the initiative on activities like supporting US troop deployments in Europe, the report noted. However, "the Defense Department hasn't established performance goals and measures to determine if the resources are being used effectively. We recommended that it do so," the report said.

Furthermore, despite the fact that the lavishly funded initiative has supported a variety of military activities in Europe, including troop rotations, intelligence activities, and the construction of projects such as airfields, ranges, and other military facilities, the Defense Department has not established performance goals and measures for EDI, according to the GAO.

Last month, The Pentagon announced in a press release on June 27 that a new military aid package worth $500 million would be sent to Kiev.

The package will reportedly include 30 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, 25 Stryker armored personnel carriers, Stinger anti-aircraft systems, Javelin anti-armor missiles, High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs), Tube-Launched Optically-Tracked Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles, mine clearing equipment, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, and munitions for Patriots and HIMARS.

"Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs, this package, valued at up to $500 million, includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's counteroffensive operations, strengthen its air defenses to help Ukraine protect its people, as well as additional armored vehicles, anti-armor systems, critical munitions, and other equipment."

One year into the #Ukraine war, the #Biden administration and the #US Congress have directed nearly more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. pic.twitter.com/qdf3KkuGBw
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 23, 2023