A $3 billion accounting blunder at the Pentagon means more armaments for Ukraine at the expense of American taxpayers. On Thursday, the Department of Defense (DoD) admitted to a sizable oversight in its assessment of the aid value dispatched to the Eastern European nation.
The source of the error is an incorrect calculation model. The officials evaluating the assets had mistakenly estimated the value based on the cost of new equipment rather than used. In addition, the Pentagon’s decision to supply Ukraine from its existing gear stockpiles facilitated faster aid dispatch, leading to this error.
This Administration, the WEF, they NEED this war to happen. They need a cover for the economic collapse that’s coming. https://t.co/XVqTD6t2v0
— placekicker (@placekicker17) May 19, 2023
As Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated, “During our regular oversight process of presidential drawdown packages, the Department discovered inconsistencies in equipment valuation for Ukraine.” Singh assured that this miscalculation had helped U.S. support to Ukraine or the process of supplying aid to the battlefield.
This accounting blunder surfaced amidst growing Congressional pressure on the Pentagon to account for the billions spent on Ukrainian aid. Questions are being raised about the sustainability of this support level. Yet, as ironic as it may sound, this financial mess may benefit Ukraine’s war effort.
Instead of asking Congress for additional funds, the DoD can directly supply the excess arms. This could prove critical, given Ukraine’s anticipated counteroffensive that will undoubtedly require substantial military aid.
According to an anonymous defense official, the Pentagon is still determining the precise total of the surplus. In response to this discovery, the military comptroller is reviewing all previous aid packages to Ukraine using accurate cost figures.
In context, the U.S. has provided almost $37 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. However, the rapid dispatch of these weapons has led to domestic military stockpiles reaching precariously low levels, unseen for decades.
With some lawmakers now keen on tracking the aid to prevent potential fraud, the Pentagon has assured a “robust program” to track the assistance as it enters Ukraine. In addition, physical and virtual inspections are being performed by a small team of Americans collaborating with Ukrainians, ensuring the aid doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.
