**US Lifts Ban on Military Contractors in Ukraine to Expedite Weapon Repairs**

The Biden administration has recently ended an informal ban on American military contractors operating in Ukraine, enabling them to help maintain and repair US-provided weapons systems such as F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems. This decision, aimed at speeding up the maintenance process, comes as a pivotal policy shift before the upcoming election, according to an official familiar with the plan who spoke to CNN.

The new policy allows the Pentagon to issue contracts to American companies for work within Ukraine, the first such move since Russia's invasion began in 2022. It remains uncertain whether President-elect Donald Trump will continue with the policy when he assumes office in January. Trump has previously stated his intention to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours of taking office.

A defense official elaborated that these contractors would be situated far from battlefronts and would not be engaging in combat. Instead, their focus will be on ensuring that Ukrainian forces can quickly repair and maintain US-supplied equipment. This is critical as systems like the F-16s and Patriots require specialized technical support.

This strategy change represents a significant shift in the Biden administration's approach to supporting Ukraine, aiming to bolster the country's military capabilities against Russia. The Pentagon will soon begin to list available contracts online, enhancing transparency and facilitating the process.

In the past, damaged US-supplied military equipment had to be sent out of Ukraine for repairs—a time-consuming process that often diverted valuable resources. US troops and contractors had been providing remote support via video calls, but this method has its limitations. By allowing US-funded contractors to operate directly within Ukraine, repair times for high-value equipment are expected to shorten significantly. The F-16 fighter jets, received by Ukraine earlier this year, are among the systems requiring regular maintenance.

Companies interested in bidding for these contracts must develop robust risk mitigation plans, ensuring the safety and security of their employees. This was emphasized by a defense official who noted that the decision was made after careful risk assessment in coordination with various interagency stakeholders.

This new arrangement is not expected to mirror the large American contractor presence seen in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, it would likely result in a few dozen to a couple of hundred contractors working in Ukraine at any given time. It's also worth noting that many American companies already have personnel in Ukraine for existing contracts with the Ukrainian government, meaning the increase in US personnel on the ground will not be substantial.