U.S. Waited Months to Send Ukraine Spare Tires

Usually when foreign militaries ask the United States for equipment, it’s the kind of high-tech weaponry for which America is known: fighter jets, advanced radars, and missile systems. But for Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Crimea, the list was more basic: boots, uniforms, body armor, and spare tires. And yet, for more than two months, these simple requests have gone unfulfilled.

The Daily Beast has obtained the original detailed request Ukraine’s armed forces made to the United States and NATO in the first days of March after the world watched Russian special operations forces in uniforms bearing no flag or insignia seize Crimea’s transportation and infrastructure hubs.

The list of requested materiel provides a window into a hollow and outmatched Ukrainian military. And the document shows why Kiev is losing the fight against the upstart civilian militias U.S. and Western leaders say are supported and paid by Russian intelligence officers and special operations forces.

Ukraine’s military lacks the logistical equipment, functioning vehicles and trained soldiers to support expeditions for long periods of time away from their military bases. As a result, Ukraine’s military has taken to raising funds online and relying on locals to provide everything from spare parts to hot meals.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/16/u-s-waited-months-to-send-ukraine-spare-tires.html