Pentagon considers dipping into 'last funding source' for Ukraine – report
The U.S. Department of Defense is
considering making use of around $4 billion remaining in the presidential
drawdown authority (PDA) funds to deliver critical military aid to Ukraine,
CNN reported on Feb. 28, citing U.S. defense officials.
The Pentagon has been reluctant to do so until now, concerned that without additional funding appropriated by the U.S. Congress, the dwindling “war chest” will not get replenished. Sources told the journalists that using these funds without a plan for reimbursement could impact U.S. military readiness.
Officials emphasized that no decision has been made on this matter. However, discussions about this option and other potential contingency plans are becoming increasingly pertinent as the battlefield situation in Ukraine becomes more dire.
Pentagon Press Secretary Gen. Patrick Ryder, when asked whether the department might use the remaining $4 billion, declined to comment on any specific decisions. He said that the DoD continues to explore opportunities for further support to Ukraine.
"We’re going to continue to look at ways that we can support Ukraine in their fight for freedom and to preserve their sovereignty," said Ryder.
A defense department spokesperson told CNN that the next aid package for Ukraine, if it is to come through, will surely include critically important munitions. Discussions are also underway about how and where to pre-position military equipment to quickly dispatch it to Ukraine once additional funding is approved by U.S. legislators.
On Feb. 15, Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House of Representatives for recess without passing aid for Ukraine. This issue will now not be addressed until at least mid-March.
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