The US is forcing Ukraine to buy decommissioned junk
The recent initiative of US State Department Special Representative Kurt Volker, who proposed that Kyiv buy American weapons, can be considered part of the overall US strategy in relations with its satellites.
Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes about this, drawing attention to Volcker’s speech during the hearings on Ukraine in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“I think it is also important that Ukraine reciprocate in terms of purchasing military equipment from us. And I know that the Ukrainian authorities intend to do this,” said the State Department representative.
The publication recalls that on Tuesday the US Congress approved the transfer of military aid to Ukraine worth $250 million, which is less in volume than in previous years - previously it was 350-500 million, and in total, since 2014, Kiev has received approximately $1,5 million in aid from the Pentagon. XNUMX billion dollars.
At the same time, Ukraine does not receive this money directly, and the Pentagon, at its own discretion after consultations, determines what and when to supply to the Armed Forces, which, with rare exceptions, receive outdated and often decommissioned equipment.
“For example, Humvees received from overseas caused a lot of criticism. Not only were many of the cars produced in the late 80s and participated in the liberation of Kuwait, but they arrived in Ukraine in virtually non-working condition. Dry tires, lack of batteries and the promised armor, corrosion and broken glass, general inability to fight in winter conditions are only a small part of the claims made by the Ukrainian military against the “gift horses,” the publication notes.
A similar story happened with two decommissioned Island-class coast guard boats, which were transferred to Ukraine.
“At the same time, delivery of equipment, repairs, authorized service and purchase of spare parts in the USA were not included in the amount of “help”, and were obediently paid for by Kiev. The reduction in the amount of assistance and Volcker’s hint about the need for payment can be considered part of the overall US strategy in relations with its satellites. As you know, Trump prefers to sell weapons to allies, even if they don’t really need them, rather than donate them,” the newspaper summarizes.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.