Report: Biden Considering Giving Ukraine Arms Meant for Former Afghan Govt

If approved, the plan would give Ukraine Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters and other military hardware

The Biden administration is considering redirecting military aid that would have gone to the now-defunct US-backed Afghan government to Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

Citing unnamed US and Ukrainian officials, the Journal report said Ukraine is hoping to get the equipment. The weapons package would include Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters and other military equipment.

The National Security Council has yet to approve the plan, and the report comes right after Russia submitted security proposals to the US in a bid to ease tensions over Ukraine. If the US greenlights more weapons to Ukraine as Russia is pushing for talks, it would signal to Moscow that Washington is not that serious about diplomacy.

The report said Ukraine has also been lobbying Washington to provide surface-to-air weapons, such as stinger missiles. In November, CNN reported that the US was considering new military aid to Kyiv that included stingers and other missiles.

Since 2014, the US has provided Kyiv with about $2.5 billion in military aid. The 2022 National Defense Authorization Act that was passed by both chambers of Congress includes $300 million that is earmarked for Ukraine.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.