The Pentagon has announced that it will relax certain regulations to permit a limited number of private American defense contractors to operate within Ukraine. Their primary roles will include the repair and maintenance of military equipment, as confirmed by U.S. officials on Friday.

These contractors will be stationed far from the frontlines amid ongoing hostilities from Russia and will not participate in any combat operations, the officials clarified. Currently, the Pentagon is in the process of inviting bids from potential contractors for these services, with the officials choosing to remain unnamed as they share insights about internal policies.

Over the past two years, Ukraine has received substantial military aid from the United States, encompassing billions of dollars in weapons and advanced equipment. Throughout this period, troops from the U.S. and its allies have been supporting Ukrainian forces by providing real-time maintenance advice. They have utilized encrypted communication methods via phones and tablets to deliver this assistance from afar.

The Pentagon’s decision to allow these contractors into Ukraine is aimed at addressing the need for specialized technical expertise for the repair of certain sophisticated military assets, such as F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems. Officials emphasize that employing these contractors will facilitate prompt repairs, ensuring that Ukrainian forces have uninterrupted access to critical equipment during their operations.

This decision marks an expansion of the presence of U.S. government contractors within Ukraine. The State Department has already engaged with American companies for various projects in the country, including work related to the energy sector. Additionally, numerous American firms have personnel working in Ukraine under contracts with the Ukrainian government.

Officials have also stated that the companies will bear the responsibility for the safety and well-being of their employees while they are operating in Ukraine. This signifies a growing commitment from the U.S. to support Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict while ensuring necessary assistance and expertise are made readily available.