Biden Administration Considers Allowing US Military Contractors to Deploy in Ukraine

The Biden administration is considering lifting a prohibition on American military contractors deploying to Ukraine, according to four US officials familiar with the situation speaking to CNN. The aim is to assist Ukraine's military in maintaining and repairing US-supplied weapons systems.

Officials emphasized that the policy is still under review by administration officials and has not yet been approved by President Joe Biden.

“We have not made any decisions and any discussion of this is premature,” said one administration official.

If authorized, the change is expected to take effect this year. It would permit the Pentagon to contract American companies for work within Ukraine for the first time since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Over the past two years, The White House has aimed to minimize risks to Americans and to avoid the perception, particularly by Russia, of US military involvement in combat in Ukraine.

Officials stated that the reconsideration of these restrictions began over recent months, prompted by stalled US funding for Ukraine in Congress and Russia's battlefield advances. Allowing experienced American contractors, funded by the US government, to operate in Ukraine would facilitate faster repair of damaged, high-value equipment, officials argued. Among the systems likely needing regular maintenance is the F-16 fighter jet, slated for delivery to Ukraine later this year.

In late May, Biden granted Ukraine permission to use US weapons to strike targets near the Ukraine-Russia border, near Kharkiv—a request previously denied. Earlier in June, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that Ukraine could conduct counterstrikes anywhere along the border using US weaponry.

Former President Donald Trump's National Security Council director for European Affairs, Alex Vindman, has been advocating to lift these restrictions. He mentioned that the administration has been formulating a plan to ease the restrictions since earlier this year.

“Ukraine is an ally,” Vindman said. “The US has keen, critical national security interests in supporting Ukraine, and there are plenty of risk mitigation measures.”