Kiev’s Air Defense Capability Threatened - Global Research
Global ResearchDec 25, 2022
Pentagon Says It Made $3B Accounting Error In Ukraine Weapons Shipments
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Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
The Pentagon said on Thursday that it had overestimated the value of weapons sent to Ukraine by at least $3B, meaning the Defense Dept. can ship more weapons to the country without asking Congress for additional funds.
The announcement came as existing military aid allocations to Ukraine were on the verge of running dry. Biden admin. officials were expected to face resistance from Congress in approving new packages, namely due to debate over the debt ceiling, as well as established calls from some Republicans to slash the military aid to Ukraine over spending concerns.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This is excellent news for Ukraine's war effort. The US still has plenty of capacity to ensure Ukraine has the weapons it needs to fight off Russia and launch its counteroffensive, without facing the red tape of further approval from Congress.
Establishment-critical narrative
Despite wishing the world to think it stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian cause, the US administration is expecting conflict with Russia to continue for years or even decades, as Kyiv will be very unlikely to deal a mortal blow to its enemy. The US has saved face internationally by encouraging the continuation of war, including by supplying Ukraine with weapons, when it knows that a negotiated settlement would be best for everyone. News of this accounting error will not benefit Ukraine, only spur on a deadly conflict without affecting its outcome.
