Since the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia, the United States military along with NATO partners engaged in an epic endeavor to modernize the Ukrainian military, an effort that has clearly paid huge dividends in recent months.
However, when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began all American troops were withdrawn from the country. The Biden administration's policy is that there are to be no "boots on the ground" as it could lead to an escalatory conflict with another nuclear power.
As a workaround, American soldiers have begun training Ukrainian soldiers in Germany who will then go back to their home country to help repel Russian invaders.
"The recent reunion of these Florida National Guard members with their Ukrainian colleagues, we are told, was an emotional meeting, given the strong bonds that were formed as they were living and working together before temporarily parting ways in February," said Pentagon press secretary John Kirby.
American troops will be training the Ukrainian soldiers on artillery pieces that are being turned over to them to help fight Russia. The Canadians will also join in this train the trainer effort, which will see selected Ukrainian troops return home to in turn train up their fellow countrymen.
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President Biden has recently asked Congress to authorize an additional 33 billion dollars worth of military aid to Ukraine. Congress also recently passed the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act which resurrects the famous World War II era construct that allowed America to easily arm and equip allied forces. Ironically, the Soviet Union was a major beneficiary of the first incarnation of the Lend-Lease Act.
Reach Jack Murphy: jack@connectingvets.com or @JackMurphyRGR. Want to get more connected to the stories and resources Connecting Vets has to offer? Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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