America has given Ukraine small arms ammunition seized in the course of the switch of Iranian troops to Tehran-backed rebels in Yemen, the navy mentioned on Wednesday.
The transfer may foreshadow the supply of extra seized navy tools to Ukraine, at a time when Washington’s skill to proceed arming Kiev is doubtful amid opposition from hardline Republican lawmakers.
“The US authorities on Monday transferred roughly 1.1 million 7.62mm rounds to the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the Military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) mentioned in an announcement.
The munitions have been seized by the US Navy in December 2022 whereas being “transferred from the IRGC to the Huthis in Yemen,” CENTCOM mentioned, referring to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the Yemeni rebels they help.
“The federal government obtained possession of those munitions on July 20, 2023 via civil actions introduced by the Ministry of Justice” in opposition to the IRGC, it added.
The Pentagon mentioned Tuesday that the US can proceed to fulfill Ukraine’s navy wants “for slightly longer” with support that has already been authorized, however that congressional motion is required to proceed support in the long term.
Republican opposition to assist to Ukraine has led lawmakers to exclude new support funding from a invoice handed this weekend to avert a US authorities shutdown, and it’s unsure precisely how lengthy the beforehand authorized support will final .
The approval of further funding is additional sophisticated by unprecedented chaos within the U.S. Home of Representatives, which this week ousted its speaker — the Home’s highest-ranking official.
The Pentagon says the administration nonetheless has the authority to withdraw $5.4 billion in tools for Ukraine from U.S. navy stockpiles, however solely $1.6 billion in funding to interchange the donated tools.
U.S. officers have led the push for worldwide help for Ukraine, shortly constructing a coalition to help Kiev after Russia invaded final 12 months and coordinating support from dozens of nations.
Washington has pledged greater than $43 billion in navy support to Ukraine since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 – greater than half of all worldwide safety help.
