The United States is planning a solution that will allow it to provide assistance to Ukraine with weapons
Kyiv • UNN
The United States plans to provide Ukraine with weapons by transferring them to Greece with the understanding that Greece will then transfer some of its surplus weapons to Ukraine.
President Biden is considering sending weapons and ammunition through Greece, which would open up a new, smart way to provide Ukrainian forces with the weapons and ammunition they need to defend their country. This was reported by Forbes , UNN .
Details
Republicans in the U.S. Congress are still blocking a decision on billions in aid to Ukraine, but the White House is counting on permission to transport military goods to Ukraine - in this process, Biden hopes to get help from Greece.
This is essentially the American version of the German circular arms trade, the so-called Ringtausch. The United States transfers weapons to Greece with the understanding that Greece will transfer some of its surplus weapons to Ukraine.
Greek media reported on the preparation of this decision. According to the Kathimerini newspaper, the Biden administration has offered the Greek government three 87-foot Protector-class patrol boats, two Lockheed Martin C-130H airlift aircraft, 10 Allison T56 turboprop engines for Lockheed P-3 patrol aircraft, plus 60 M-2 Bradley fighting vehicles and a batch of transport trucks.
The political and military leadership of Greece is reportedly ready to transfer surplus equipment to Ukraine. Thus, the roundabout arms deal allows Biden to circumvent Congressional obstacles to funding additional military aid to Ukraine.
AddendumAddendum
Biden's EDA authority is one of several legal mechanisms at his disposal that could free up old weapons for further transfer to Ukraine. Although Biden could send surplus defense products directly to Ukraine, he is initially using the EDA as a lever in ring-fencing deals.
Recall
Republican Senator Mitt Romney has called Donald Trump's approach to derail the Senate deal on the border with Mexico, which includes continued aid to Ukraine, "appalling.
Ukraine will receive GLSDB bombs in accordance with last year's agreement, but the Pentagon cannot provide specifics on the timing of their delivery