- Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) confirmed that the idea was “on the table”
- The Pentagon has warned for months that they need to increase their weapons arsenals as they supply Ukraine.
- Additional funding for Ukraine remains stalled in Congress
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President Joe Biden could reportedly send more American weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, even though Congress is delaying additional funding to replace them.
The Pentagon has not made a final decision, but officials are considering the idea as another way to support Ukraine despite potential political obstacles for the Biden administration.
Depleting U.S. reserves to support Ukraine would anger many Republicans who believe Biden should prioritize U.S. defense first.
Sen. Jack Reed, D.R.I., who serves as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told the New York Times that the idea was “on the table.”
The Defense Department has about $4 billion authorized to send to Ukraine from its own arsenals, according to cnnbut that the Pentagon remains reluctant to use them without having guarantees that they will be replaced.
The Army fires a Patriot missile in a recent test. By April 2022, US stocks of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles had been depleted by a third, leaving the Pentagon scrambling to replenish them.
Biden continues to assure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United States will finally provide him with the aid and ammunition he needs to defend his country from Russia.
By April 2022, US stocks of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles had been depleted by a third, leaving the Pentagon fight to replace them.
The Pentagon already warned in September that the replenishment of US reserves was slowing due to the reluctance of House Republicans to approve more aid for Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl raised concerns of the armed service’s ability to replenish its arsenals while assisting Ukraine.
The Senate approved a $95 billion foreign aid package earlier this month, including $60 billion for Ukraine.
But Republican President Mike Johnson remains reluctant to bring him to the floor, citing the need for President Biden to first confront the crisis at the southern border.
The Senate approved a $95 billion foreign aid package earlier this month, including $60 billion for Ukraine.
Biden continues to assure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United States will finally provide him with the aid and ammunition he needs to defend his country from Russia.
“I’m going to fight until we get them the ammunition they need and the capability they need to defend themselves,” Biden said during a speech at the White House last week.