US rushing weapons to Ukraine before Trump takes office: WSJ
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Over $7 billion in drawdown authorization, which allows the Pentagon to send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine from its stockpile, remains unspent.
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A member of a Ukrainian antiaircraft brigade in July 2024 (AFP)
President Biden's outgoing administration's drive to send billions of dollars in military weapons to Ukraine before leaving office is meeting huge logistical challenges, increasing concerns that the shipments may deplete already-stretched US stocks, sources told The Wall Street Journal.
The difficulties highlight how much Donald Trump's victory has hampered the US-led drive to assist Ukraine, which has suffered significant losses against Russia.
Over $7 billion in drawdown authorization, which allows the Pentagon to send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine from its stockpile, remains unspent, as does more than $2 billion to support long-term equipment contracts for Kiev.
Biden administration officials are concerned that Trump's administration may reduce Ukraine's armament supplies to bring Kiev and Moscow to the bargaining table, as he has promised to end the war.
Before the election, the administration planned to provide the remaining aid to Ukraine by April, according to a Pentagon official.
Pentagon is sending over 500 interceptors for the Patriot missile defense system and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS, to Ukraine, with delivery expected in the coming weeks, according to a senior administration official.
In addition, a "small number of contractors" will be deployed to assist in repairing and maintaining F-16s and other equipment, according to a Pentagon official. The Biden administration opposed such a step in August, but since then, additional systems have become unworkable due to a shortage of competent staff to fix or maintain them.
Weapons supplies to Ukraine generally take weeks, if not months, and the impact of the expected increase in weapons exports on US military inventories, notably air defenses, is "a big concern," according to another senior US source. The United States is considering measures such as purchasing back weapons from other nations to send to Ukraine, according to a senior US official.
While Ukrainian officials have asked for more Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike Russian sites up to 200 kilometers beyond the front lines, the Pentagon has been hesitant, noting Russia's relocation of important installations out of range.
The Biden administration also restricts Ukraine's employment of these weapons, preventing strikes on Russian territory. Recently, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declined Ukrainian President Zelensky's request to prioritize ATACMS delivery above other overseas buyers, saying it was "a lot to ask" from other customers.
A new version of the ATACMS, known as the Precision Strike Missile, is in production, but it will take years to create enough to replace the current system. Meanwhile, the US is pressing allies to deploy weapons from their stockpiles to Ukraine, particularly air-launched weapons for F-16s.
To assist Ukraine's air defense, the US has sent AGM-88E anti-radiation missiles, improved air-to-air missiles, and Joint Direct Attack Munition kits for converting unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions.
Zelensky stressed out about battlefield setbacks, US elections: NYT
US military and intelligence officials believe the war in Ukraine is “no longer a stalemate” due to Russia’s recent gains on the battlefield, The New York Times (NYT) reported last Friday.
The report described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as appearing “worn and stressed,” concerned not only about setbacks on the battlefield but also about the results of the US elections, during a meeting with American officials in Kiev last week.
Ukrainian troops, the report added, are contending with low morale, limited reinforcements, and an inability to match Russian firepower.
An unnamed Ukrainian major stationed near Russia’s Kursk Region told the NYT that Ukrainian forces are “constantly losing previously occupied positions,” with Russian forces enjoying an advantage in manpower and artillery.
Despite these challenges, US officials believe that Ukrainians might capitalize on “Russia’s weaknesses” if American support “remains strong until next summer,” the report pointed out.
Russian forces have steadily advanced in recent months, capturing the heavily fortified town of Ugledar in the Donbass region early last month. Moscow has also intensified its offensive to push Ukrainian units back from the Kursk Region, which was targeted in an incursion in August.
Zelensky has expressed increasing concern over the war's trajectory, acknowledging earlier this year that Kiev has effectively become “a hostage” to the volatile US election cycle. In July, he called on Ukraine's foreign allies to intensify their support to help bring the conflict to a close “as soon as possible.”
It's notable that the incoming US President has frequently referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “the greatest salesman on Earth,” emphasizing throughout his campaign that he could end the Ukraine war within 24 hours if re-elected. Trump has consistently argued that Ukraine is incapable of achieving a military victory over Russia, positioning himself as a potential peacemaker capable of swiftly resolving the conflict.
