A high-ranking Ukrainian official has voiced doubts about the Biden administration’s ability to swiftly deliver critical weapons aid to Ukraine as the country fights to change the course of its war against Russia. The Pentagon is determining what military equipment to provide to Kyiv as President Joe Biden is expected to swiftly sign a bipartisan bill for an additional $60 billion to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles. Kyiv expects the aid to be provided promptly as Russia’s military strengthens its grip on Ukraine and makes territorial gains in Eastern Europe. “Is this equipment accessible? Will we be able to locate, and produce sufficient equipment quickly enough to obtain it?” Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova told the European Pravda on Tuesday. “There are programs through which we can obtain this equipment, purchase it, or receive it from depots… How quickly do we find it, inspect it, and restore it to a condition in which the American military can deliver it?” According to the New York Times, the U.S. has been issuing warnings for months that its weapons stockpiles for Ukraine are being depleted. The Pentagon plans to send tactical vehicles, armored personnel carriers, missiles, as well as artillery and mortar rounds to Kyiv. The NYT reported that it could take time to replenish these stockpiles and resume a level of weapons production that satisfies Ukraine’s needs. The funding issue will be resolved by the bill, at the very least, according to Markarova. “However, does this imply that all equipment for 23 billion US dollars (of the 60 billion dollars that can be sent to Ukraine through executive authority) is prepared for delivery? Unfortunately, not,” Markarova said. “So we are seeking for it as quickly as possible.” Even if the aid is delivered on time, security experts and former U.S. officials previously told the Daily Caller News Foundation that it is unlikely to propel Ukraine to a military victory over Russia, though it could assist the country in temporarily maintaining a defensive position on the front lines. Ukraine lacks enough manpower even with additional weaponry, which has forced it to abandon positions in Eastern Europe. Russia has also incurred substantial losses, spending billions of dollars and losing thousands of troops for only limited territorial gains. However, its military-industrial sector is operating at full capacity and Moscow is prepared to mobilize as many troops as necessary to sustain the war effort. “I believe that there is insufficient funding available, either in this bill or in a much larger one, to assist Ukraine in achieving their objectives of reclaiming all of their land or even sustaining an offensive,” Benjamin Friedman, policy director at Defense Priorities, previously stated to the DCNF. “Therefore, moving forward is beyond their grasp, even if we provide them with far more weapons.” The Pentagon and the White House did not answer a request for comment right away.
Ukraine Casts Doubt on Biden’s Ability to Deliver Weapons Aid Swiftly
