US may send additional military advisors to Ukraine - Politico

Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that advisers would not have a combat role but would advise and support the Ukrainian government and armed forces.

"Throughout this conflict, the Department of Defense has reviewed and adjusted the U.S. presence in Ukraine as security conditions change. We are currently considering the possibility of sending several additional advisers to enhance the Defense Cooperation Office (ODC) at the embassy," Ryder said in a statement to Politico.

Ryder added that the office performs various advisory and support missions that are non-combat in nature.

"Throughout this conflict, the DOD has reviewed and adjusted our presence in-country, as security conditions have evolved. Currently, we are considering sending several additional advisers to augment the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) at the Embassy," Ryder said.

The number of personnel in the ODC is not disclosed for security reasons.

Anonymous sources told Politico that the office's tasks include monitoring the weaponry sent by the US to Ukraine.

"The additional troops will support logistics and oversight efforts for the weapons the US is sending Ukraine, according to four US officials and a person familiar with the plans, who were granted anonymity to speak about a sensitive topic," the sources said.

Two American officials have stated that the ODC will provide security for the embassy. Their number could reach 60.

"Those personnel are helping with oversight and embassy security. It was not clear how many additional US troops would ultimately be sent to Ukraine, but two of the US officials said the number would be up to 60," Politico's sources said.

US aid to Ukraine

On April 20, the US House of Representatives approved aid to Ukraine. The total amount of the aid bill to Ukraine is $60.84 billion.

The bill will now be sent to the US Senate for consideration.

President Joe Biden has called on the Senate to quickly send the bill to him for signing.