US weighs sending additional military advisers to Ukraine

The U.S. is considering sending additional military advisers to Ukraine.

Politico reported on this.

If approved, the advisors will be deployed to the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv to advise the Ukrainian government and military.

“Throughout this conflict, the DOD has reviewed and adjusted our presence in-country, as security conditions have evolved. Currently, we are considering sending several additional advisers to augment the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) at the Embassy,” Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder shared.

It should be noted that the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) carries out various advisory and support missions.

The counselors are part of the US Department of Defense but are integrated into the Embassy under the leadership of an elected official.

According to anonymous Pentagon sources, the additional troops will support logistics and oversight efforts for the weapons the U.S. is sending Ukraine.

The new contingent will also help the Ukrainian military with weapons maintenance.

It was not clear how many additional U.S. consultants would ultimately be deployed to Ukraine, but two of the U.S. officials noted the number would be up to 60.

“We’re already seeing things on the battlefield begin to shift a bit in Russia’s favor. We are seeing them make incremental gains. We’re seeing the Ukrainians be challenged in terms of holding the line,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.

Militarnyi previously reported that the United States government is considering allocating an additional $126 million in aid to Ukraine.

The money is to be provided under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The U.S. government does not disclose how the funds will be spent.