The Biden administration is reportedly weighing whether U.S. military contractors should be permitted to be deployed to Ukraine.
Four sources familiar with the matter told CNN the idea is still being considered.
“We have not made any decisions and any discussion of this is premature,” one official said. “The president is absolutely firm that he will not be sending US troops to Ukraine.”
If the effort progresses, the shift would allow the Department of Defense to provide contracts to American companies to work inside Ukraine. Such an outcome would be the first time this would occur since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022.
Former Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council Alex Vindman told the outlet that permitting contracts would be a “much more focused and thoughtful effort to support Ukraine in country.”
The report comes as the Biden administration recently announced more funding for Ukraine.
“Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing that the United States will provide over $1.5 billion through USAID and the State Department to support the people of Ukraine,” a June 15 release states. According to the release, the funds will target energy, humanitarian assistance, and security.
During this year’s G7 Summit, world leaders reached an agreement to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Leaders will provide Ukraine with an undisclosed loan, using the assets as security.
While the total amount of the loan is unclear, the Biden administration has committed to $50 billion.
