Pentagon confirms lifting of ban for U.S. military contractors to support equipment maintenance in Ukraine

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has officially lifted its ban on entry for American military contractors into Ukraine, as confirmed by a Pentagon representative responding to a request from TASS, Azernews reports. This policy change will allow U.S. contractors to support Ukraine’s defense by providing repair and maintenance services for U.S.-supplied equipment, with the DoD emphasizing that the contractors will work far from front-line areas and will not engage in combat.

The Pentagon representative clarified that the contractors' role is vital for servicing complex military systems like the F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems, which require specialized technical expertise. This decision followed a "careful risk assessment" and was made in coordination with various U.S. agencies, ensuring that risk mitigation is part of each contract bid. Contractors and their employers are expected to independently manage safety and security measures.

While there are already American contractors working in Ukraine under U.S. Department of State and USAID initiatives, this adjustment will not lead to a significant increase in the number of U.S. personnel in Ukraine. These contractors are currently engaged in diverse projects, such as bolstering Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and economic resilience.

Earlier reports had hinted at this policy shift, with sources indicating U.S. administrative discussions on lifting the ban; however, those rumors were initially denied by the Pentagon. This recent confirmation underscores an evolving U.S. commitment to support Ukraine through technical and logistical assistance in the ongoing conflict.