U.S. State Department intends to send new advisor to Ukraine: Main responsibilities
The United States State Department, in collaboration with Congress, plans to deploy an advisor to the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, states the White House press service.
According to the announcement, the advisor will be sent to support and expedite Ukraine's transition to interoperable military forces, combat corruption, and attract foreign investment in critical sectors.
It is also reported that the United States has established an interagency team called the Ukraine Deal Team. This team consists of representatives from the U.S. State Department, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Commerce. The purpose of this group is to support partners seeking recommendations on potential deals and export requirements for Ukraine's defense industry.
What proceeded this
Over the past month, a heated political battle has unfolded in the U.S. Congress between Democrats and Republicans over legislation for providing financial aid to Ukraine and Israel, as well as funding for security along the country's southern border with Mexico.
President Joe Biden had requested $106 billion from Congress for aid to Israel and Ukraine, as well as for strengthening the defense-industrial complex. Of this amount, $61.3 billion was proposed for Ukraine and $14.3 billion for Israel.
However, on November 2, the House of Representatives approved an alternative bill put forward by newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson, which allocated $14.3 billion in military aid exclusively to Israel, excluding Ukraine. The Democratic majority in the Senate blocked the consideration of this bill.
Recently, National Security Advisor to the U.S. President Jake Sullivan stated that the United States would not be able to provide weapons to Ukraine if Congress did not support the legislation for providing financial assistance to the country.
Yesterday, on December 6, the United States announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine, including weaponry worth $175 million. On the same day, the U.S. Senate blocked the passage of a comprehensive aid package for Ukraine and Israel.