US sending intelligence officers to aid Ukraine UAV program since 2022
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The United States admits it has been sending intelligence officers to Ukraine since the early days of the Ukraine war to help develop Kiev's drone program.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky smile as they stand in front of a drone built in Ukraine with funding from Britain, in Kiev, Ukraine Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 (AP)
The outgoing US President Joe Biden administration has been deploying intelligence officers to Ukraine since 2022 to enhance the country's drone production capabilities, The New York Times reported on Friday, citing US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
In September alone, Washington allocated $1.5 billion to support Ukraine's drone program, which US intelligence officers reportedly used to help Kiev develop next-generation drones.
According to Sullivan, the program, launched in the fall of 2022, had "a real strategic impact" on the conflict, despite Ukraine's counteroffensive in the summer of 2023 being less successful than anticipated. Sullivan noted that US support for Ukraine's efforts increased even after the counteroffensive failed to achieve significant results, the report added.
Moscow has consistently criticized Western military assistance to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that arms supplies hinder peace efforts and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Lavrov emphasized that any shipments containing weapons for Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces.
The Kremlin has also accused Western nations of exacerbating the conflict, with Lavrov highlighting the training of Ukrainian personnel in countries such as the UK, Germany, and Italy. Russia maintains that Western arms supplies undermine efforts to initiate peace talks.
Steady stream of aid
Since the onset of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the US Congress has allocated over $182 billion in aid to Ukraine, according to a Pentagon Inspector General report.
The funds, totaling $182.99 billion, have been directed toward Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR) and the broader Ukraine response, with $131.36 billion designated for security-related support and $43.84 billion for governance and development efforts.
These allocations have been managed through various US federal agencies, including the Pentagon, the State Department, and USAID.
In response to these arms supplies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any shipments containing weapons for Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.
US weapons shortage limits Ukraine aid
Earlier, in September, CNN reported that a reduction in US weapons stockpiles has led to more modest aid packages being sent to Ukraine in recent months, as confirmed by several US officials.
"We have $5.9 billion left in Ukraine Presidential Drawdown Authority; all but $100 million of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. DOD is working with Congress to seek an extension of PDA authorities beyond the fiscal year's end, " a Pentagon statement read.
Despite the Biden administration having nearly $6 billion available under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to assist Ukraine, it faces constraints due to the lack of available weapons in storage.
The report further explains that the PDA is at risk of expiring on September 30 unless Congress acts to extend the deadline, allowing more time to utilize the remaining funds.
A contributing factor to the limited assistance provided to Ukraine includes the US' cautious approach not to compromise its military readiness and a policy against overwhelming Ukraine with more weapons than it can effectively manage and distribute.
