US to send more military advisers to Ukraine

According to Politico on April 20, citing Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder, the advisers will serve in non-combat roles, mainly providing logistical support, overseeing the supply of US weapons, and assisting with weapons maintenance.

“Throughout the fighting in Ukraine, the United States has reviewed and adjusted its presence in Ukraine as security conditions evolve. We are currently considering additional advisors to augment the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. At the same time, these personnel are subject to the same travel restrictions as all embassy personnel,” Ryder said.

Mr. Ryder declined to discuss the specific number of personnel “for operational security and force protection reasons,” but two unnamed US officials said the number could be as high as 60.

US House of Representatives passes $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel

Additional military advisers could work at the Office of Defense Cooperation at the US Embassy in Ukraine, Mr. Ryder explained. According to Politico , the US advisers will be tasked with helping Ukraine with newly delivered equipment as the fighting is expected to intensify next summer.

Russia has not yet commented on the above information.

The news comes as the US House of Representatives has just passed a $61 billion aid bill, which includes “things like air defense and artillery.” In addition, CIA Director Bill Burns said Ukraine could lose the war this year if the US Congress does not pass the aid package.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and US President Joe Biden at the White House (US) on September 21, 2023.

Ukraine is struggling to regain the initiative on the battlefield after a failed counteroffensive last summer. At the same time, Ukraine’s recent losses have been exacerbated by dwindling supplies of foreign ammunition.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin admitted that "things on the battlefield are starting to shift a little bit in Russia's favor", while Ukrainian forces are having difficulty "holding the line".

Sending military advisers to Ukraine, even in a non-combat role, would expand the US military presence in the country, according to Politico . Previously, US President Joe Biden pledged that the US military would not be sent to fight on the Ukrainian battlefield because of the increased risk of direct confrontation between US and Russian forces.

Meanwhile, Russia has frequently warned that it considers the United States and other NATO members to be de facto parties to the fighting in Ukraine, insisting that no amount of foreign aid will change the course of the conflict or save Ukraine from defeat.

Ukraine grateful for US aid package

Reuters reported on April 21 that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 20 expressed gratitude for the US House of Representatives passing a bill providing military aid to his country. At the same time, Mr. Zelensky emphasized that the bill "will keep the war from spreading, save thousands of lives and make both the US and Ukraine stronger."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal wrote on Telegram, saying the bill's passage was proof that the United States showed "leadership and determination" in the fight for peace and security.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/my-sap-gui-them-co-van-quan-su-toi-ukraine-18524042116195582.htm