US Military Contractors Cleared for First-Time Deployment to Ukraine for Equipment Repairs Under Biden Administration

For the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Biden administration has lifted a ban on deploying US military contractors to Ukraine to support Ukrainian forces. These contractors will now be able to provide essential maintenance and repair services, particularly for F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems, as reported by CNN.

This shift, approved earlier this month, permits the Pentagon to contract American companies to work within Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion began in 2022. The goal is to expedite repairs of crucial equipment, enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

“These contractors will be located far from the front lines and they will not be fighting Russian forces,” a US defense official told CNN, emphasizing the non-combat role of the contractors. Contractors will operate under strict safety protocols, with detailed risk mitigation plans required for each contract.

“Each American contractor, organization, or company will be responsible for the safety of their employees and will be required to include risk mitigation plans as part of their applications,” commented a US defense representative.

Officials expect only a limited number of contractors in Ukraine at any time, ensuring a modest presence rather than a large-scale operation. This policy marks a cautious but significant change, aimed at providing Ukraine with direct, non-combat support in its defense against Russia.