Sat Nov 09 11:02:02 UTC 2024: ## US Sends Contractors to Ukraine for Weapon Maintenance
**Washington, D.C.** – In a significant policy shift, the United States is allowing a limited number of American defense contractors to work inside Ukraine to maintain and repair Pentagon-provided weaponry. This move comes as the US ramps up support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.
The decision, made by President Joe Biden before his departure in January, allows for the deployment of contractors to locations away from the front lines. These individuals will not engage in combat and will focus solely on repairing complex equipment like F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems.
The move addresses concerns about the slow pace of weapon repairs due to the complexity of the equipment and the difficulty of remote maintenance. Previously, US and allied forces relied on real-time advice provided through encrypted communication channels.
“The presence of these contractors will ensure a faster repair process, allowing Ukrainian forces to utilize these vital weapons more effectively in combat,” said a senior US official.
The number of contractors will be limited, and their safety will be the responsibility of the employing companies. The decision brings the Pentagon’s policy in line with the US Department of State and US Agency for International Development, which already have contractors operating in Ukraine.
The shift comes at a critical moment in the war, with Russia making advances into Ukrainian territory. It remains unclear how the policy change will be affected by the upcoming change in administration, as President-elect Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about the scale of US support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Western allies to provide longer-range missiles to target Russian territory and increase pressure on Moscow to end the war.
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