Friday, June 3, 2022

Is Anyone Monitoring The Tens Of Billions In Aid That Is Going To Ukraine?

Politico: Pentagon vs. Congress tension builds over monitoring billions in Ukraine aid 

The Hill is closely watching how the Defense Department allocates the recently passed $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, aware it's been burned in the past.  

The Pentagon was already struggling to keep up with Congress’ demands for oversight of its spending. Then, lawmakers earmarked an extra $40 billion for Ukraine. 

Concerns are mounting on Capitol Hill about the Biden administration’s ability to properly account for the unprecedented wave of cash and to track the thousands of U.S. weapons heading to Ukraine for its war with Russia. And given the Pentagon’s recent track record concerning congressional oversight, it’s coming under increased scrutiny from members of both parties — from progressive Elizabeth Warren to libertarian Rand Paul.  

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Update:  Pressure Mounts on Pentagon Over Lack of Oversight for Ukraine Military Aid (Anti-war.com)  

WNU Editor: I have seen no evidence that the Pentagon is providing any oversight on what is happening to these weapons once they are transferred. And it is only now that I am seeing some in Congress starting to ask the hard questions on where is all this money going. 

Even the media has gone AWOL. I

 just learned through a Russian military blogger of all places that 1/3 of all NATO weapons being sent to Ukraine are being intercepted or destroyed before they are even brought to the front lines!!!! Or that anti-aircraft stinger missiles are being left behind for Russian or DPR forces to pick-up and show off as a trophy?!?!? 

When the US provided stinger missiles to the Afghan Mujahadeen during their war with the Soviet Union, every stinger missiles was accounted for over fears that these systems would be sold to terrorist groups. But not in Ukraine. A country that has a long history and reputation of corruption among its leaders and officials. 

But I think the mood in the Pentagon and in the Biden administration is changing. When I analyzed the $40 billion aid package to Ukraine last week, I noticed that Ukraine was only going to get a few billion to purchase weapons. Even the transfer of heavy weapons has turned out to be a small fraction of what Ukraine needs to make a difference against the Russian offensive.

I could be wrong, but it looks like the US arms spigot is being closed, albeit slowly.

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