A Watchdog report has revealed that the US Defense Department “did not fully comply” with requirements in tracking over $1 billion worth of aid to Ukraine. This has come at a crucial time when the debate between politicians about the importance of Ukraine aid is at its peak.
Pentagon Inspector General Report Unveils Tracking Gaps in Military Aid to Ukraine
A new report from the Pentagon Inspector General has revealed concerns about the Pentagon’s handling of military equipment sent to Ukraine, revealing that approximately $1 billion worth of equipment remains untracked. The report shows improvements in tracking procedures but also stresses non-compliance with requirements, leaving a significant portion of sent equipment “delinquent.”
The Pentagon Inspector General’s report unveils deficiencies in tracking military aid sent to Ukraine. Despite improvements, the Defense Department “did not fully comply” with requirements, leading to an inability to complete an inventory of a substantial portion of the equipment sent.
Among the items designated for enhanced end-use monitoring (EEUM) are crucial weapons and missiles, contributing to the overall untracked value of $1 billion.
Enhanced End-Use Monitoring and Inventory Challenges
The report touches on weapons subject to enhanced end-use monitoring (EEUM), including Javelin and Stinger missiles, night-vision devices, AIM-9X missiles, and Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles. Approximately $1.005 billion of the $1.699 billion in EEUM-designated equipment remains unaccounted for as of June 2023.
The lack of inventory for these critical items, essential for Ukraine’s defence, has mounted concerns about accountability and transparency in the US military aid delivery process.
The report said, “Until the DoD resolves these challenges, it will be unable to fully comply with the EEUM program requirements to account for all of the more than $1.699 billion in EEUM‑designated defence articles provided to Ukraine.”
The release of the watchdog report comes at a crucial point in the debate among politicians over Ukraine aid given by the US. With Congress considering a supplemental package exceeding $60 billion, the report’s findings add weight to the arguments against further aid, which is coming particularly from Republicans.
The outcome of this aid debate holds immense importance for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian forces, as Ukraine relies heavily on foreign aid to keep up with the huge demand for essential equipment necessary to combat Putin’s war machine.
As Congress deliberates on a substantial aid package for Ukraine, the report’s revelations about untracked military equipment could influence the decision-making process. The significant Republican opposition to additional aid may find support in the watchdog report, potentially impacting Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian forces effectively.
Improvements in Inventory Process, but Significant Challenges Remain
While acknowledging improvements in the inventory process since December 2022, the report shows persistent challenges. The Defense Department and Ukrainian Armed Forces’ revisions contributed to better tracking, but “significant personnel limitations and accountability challenges remain,” according to the Inspector General.
While improvements have been made to tracking capabilities, challenges with limited personnel and accountability still hinder achieving complete oversight of military aid to Ukraine.
The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC)-Kyiv, responsible for overseeing defence cooperation efforts, responded to the report, stating there is “no evidence of unauthorized or illicit transfer” of EEUM defence articles to Ukraine.
The ODC-Kyiv stressed that “Standard EEUM inventory procedures are not practical in a dynamic and hostile wartime environment,” citing “unprecedented” equipment volume and limited personnel capacity.
No Credible Evidence of Illicit Diversion
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder responded to the report’s findings, stating there is “no credible evidence of illicit diversion of US-provided advanced conventional weapons from Ukraine.” Ryder dismissed Russian disinformation efforts, claiming that “We do see some instances of Russia continuing to spread disinformation to the contrary, but the fact is, we observe the Ukrainians employing these capabilities on the battlefield.”
Inspector General’s Promise To Tackle Criminal Conduct In Ukraine Aid
The Inspector General’s report acknowledges ongoing investigations into potential criminal conduct related to U.S. security assistance to Ukraine. With personnel stationed in Ukraine, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service continues its probe.
The report hints at the need for sustained oversight to ensure accountability and prevent the unauthorized use or diversion of military aid to Ukraine.
“The DoD OIG now has personnel stationed in Ukraine,” it said, “and the DoD OIG’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service continues to investigate allegations of criminal conduct with regard to U.S. security assistance to Ukraine.”
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The post US Defence Department Lost Track of Over $1 Billion of Aid Given to Ukraine first appeared on Edge Media.
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