‘No proof’ Ukraine misusing assist, senior US official says
WASHINGTON: There’s “no proof” Ukraine is misusing the tens of billions in assist offered since Russia invaded final 12 months, a senior Pentagon official instructed lawmakers on Tuesday.
Members of the Home Armed Companies Committee questioned Protection Division quantity three Colin Kahl and two different officers for 2 and a half hours, as Republicans search to step up oversight of American assist to Ukraine after taking management of the decrease chamber of Congress.
“There isn’t any proof that the Ukrainians are diverting it to the black market,” Kahl instructed lawmakers of help to Kyiv.
“That is not shocking given the depth of the combat and the truth that they’re clearly utilizing what we’re offering them and what our allies and companions are offering them to most impact,” he stated.
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“I believe our evaluation is that if a few of these techniques have been diverted, it is by Russians who’ve captured issues on the battlefield.”
The Protection Division’s inspector common, Robert Storch, instructed the committee that there are a “vital quantity” of individuals within the area overseeing the Ukraine provide and coaching mission, and that info can also be being obtained from US navy personnel on the embassy in Kyiv.
“Now we have not substantiated any such cases” of delicate weapons corresponding to Stinger missiles being illicitly diverted, Storch stated.
The USA has spearheaded the push for worldwide help for Ukraine, shortly forging a world coalition to again Kyiv after Russia invaded in February 2022 and coordinating assist from dozens of nations.
