The number of personnel at ODC is not disclosed due to security reasons.
The United States believes that Russia is gaining momentum in its two-year aggression against Ukraine, so Washington may send additional military advisers to the embassy in Kyiv.
This is written by < strong>Politico.
Pentagon Speaker Patrick Ryder said that the advisers will not perform a combat role, but will advise Ukrainians to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Throughout this conflict, the Department of Defense has reviewed and adjusted the U.S. presence in Ukraine as security conditions have changed. We are now considering sending several additional advisers to strengthen the Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC),” said Rider.
Ryder added that the Directorate performs various advisory and support missions, non-combat.
“The Office of Defense Cooperation is staffed exclusively by Department of Defense personnel and is embedded within the US Embassy, reporting to the Chief of Mission like the rest of the Embassy,” Ryder stated.
Anonymous sources told Politico that the Directorate's task is to monitor weapons that will be sent to Ukraine.
“The additional troops will support logistics efforts and oversee the weapons the U.S. is sending to Ukraine. The new contingent will also help the Ukrainian military with weapon maintenance,” the sources said.
Two American officials said ODC would provide security for the embassy. Their number can reach 60.
“These employees help provide oversight and security for the embassy. It is unclear how many additional US troops will ultimately be sent to Ukraine. But the number could rise to 60,” the sources said.
We recall that it was previously reported that the German concern Rheinmetall plans to produce Panther tanks in Ukraine.
In addition, we previously informed that Russia launched one of the largest tank assaults of the entire war near Avdeevka.
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