The administration considers sending American military advisers.
Russia staged military drills in the Black Sea south of Ukraine on Wednesday, saying it needed to sharpen the combat-readiness of its conventional and nuclear forces because of heightened NATO activity near its borders. The U.S. along with Ukraine believe Russia may be preparing for an invasion, and Ukraine has staged exercises of its own near the border with Belarus.
President Biden’s administration is now weighing sending military advisers and new equipment including weaponry to Ukraine. Discussions about the proposed lethal aid package are happening as Ukraine has begun to warn publicly that an invasion could happen as soon as January. The package from the U.S. could include new Javelin anti-tank and anti-armor missiles as well as mortars. The Pentagon has suggested that some equipment that would have gone to Afghanistan—like Mi-17 helicopters—be sent to Ukraine. The Mi-17 is a Russian helicopter that the U.S. originally purchased to give to the Afghans. The Pentagon is considering what to do with them after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Others in the administration are concerned that sending stingers and helicopters could be seen by Russia as a major escalation, and, while they are prepared to send some military advisers into the region, it is unclear whether any would go into Ukraine itself.
Ukraine joined NATO’s enhanced opportunity partner interoperability program in June 2020.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman pledged that his country will not launch a war with Ukraine, but warned of threats from Kyiv that may require military action. He added that Russia remains “deeply concerned about provocative actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the line of contact” as well as “preparations for a possible military solution” for the problem.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the administration and Pentagon officials to carefully consider the support the U.S. should provide to Ukraine.
- For diplomatic efforts to try to cool the tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
- For America’s foreign intelligence community to keep close watch on activities in the region.
Sources: Bloomberg News, CNN, Reuters, One America News, U.S. News & World Report
