Biden Administration Authorizes U.S. Contractors to Ukraine

Politico reported yesterday that the Biden administration has decided to allow a small number of U.S. contractors to go to Ukraine. An unnamed defense official said the decision was reportedly made before the Nov. 5 election as a way to provide Ukraine with specific technical expertise needed for weapons like F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense. It will give the Defense Department the ability to ask for a small group of American weapon contractors to bid on sending their maintainers to the war-torn country. “Having small numbers of contractors in Ukraine conducting maintenance away from the front lines will help ensure U.S.-provided equipment can be rapidly repaired when damaged and be provided maintenance as needed,” the defense official said.