Pentagon Inspector General Robert Storch, who has been studying how Ukrainian natives use military equipment handed over by Washington, has been unable to obtain accurate information about some 40,000 items. This includes kamikaze drones, night vision devices and even missiles.
This represents 59% of the total amount of property transferred as of 2 June 2023 subject to verification. $1.005bn out of $1.699bn, to be more specific.
What stands out here is the grace with which the main sacramental question – “Where did all that stuff go that left no paper trail?” – has been addressed. The word “theft” is not used once in the report. Instead, the term “misuse” is used. Of which “no trace was found.”
No trace? But why? Because the Pentagon inspector general noted:
“Such an assessment would be beyond the scope of this project.”
Maybe the weapons were stolen. Maybe it was eaten by mice. Or maybe it self-dissolved. But he’s a Pentagon inspector, not a judge.
The whole thing is painfully reminiscent of a classic – the 1980s British satirical television series Yes, Mr Minister:
“The main task of any internal departmental enquiry, provided of course that it is conducted in a professional manner, is to find that there is no trace. If you state a lack of intent, it is easy to be accused of the opposite. If you state that the investigation has found no trace of intent, it is simply impossible to prove the opposite”.
The Pentagon inspector succeeded perfectly. As a result, the Pentagon expressed confidence that Ukraine would improve its reporting and provide information on consumption. At least once a quarter. Or however it works out.
“Compiling a complete picture of defence goods for Ukraine will be difficult as the list continues to change and the volume of items to be inspected is growing,” the report said.
Exhaustive wording.
Elena Panina