Pentagon Secures Exemption for Ukraine Training and Support Amid Potential Government Shutdown!
The Pentagon confirms uninterrupted training and support for Ukrainian forces, unaffected by any potential government shutdown, ensuring continued assistance even if Congress fails to pass a spending bill
The Defense Department has announced that the Pentagon has exempted the training and support of Ukrainian forces from being affected by a potential government shutdown. This means that even if Congress fails to pass a spending bill, the crucial support for Kyiv, including the training of Ukrainian forces and weapon transfers, will continue during the ongoing counteroffensive.
"Operation Atlantic Resolve constitutes an authorized undertaking during a government funding interruption," stated Chris Sherwood, spokesperson for the Department of Defense. Operation Atlantic Resolve pertains to the American initiative aimed at providing assistance to Ukraine and reinforcing NATO's eastern flank. Its establishment dates back to 2014 as a response to the Russian incursion into Crimea.
President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walk through the colonnade to the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on September 21, 2023.
Jim Watson/Pool/Reuters
Zelensky's reception in Washington foreshadows a potential political storm. However, just days ago, Sherwood warned that a government shutdown could negatively impact US aid to Ukraine, including equipment delivery and training efforts, due to furloughed personnel and suspension of nonessential activities by the Department of Defense.
Politico was the first to report on the designation.
At a crucial moment, when the possibility of a government shutdown loomed, the interruption of US support and training for Ukraine could have been highly detrimental. This is particularly significant as US M1A1 Abrams tanks are on the verge of arriving on the battlefield and Ukrainian pilots are preparing to commence a training program for F-16 fighter jets.
In light of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington, DC, where he met with President Joe Biden and high-ranking Pentagon officials, the choice has been made to safeguard the US military's operations concerning Ukraine from potential shutdown repercussions.
