The Biden administration is considering sending special operations soldiers (SOF) to Ukraine for the very limited task of assisting in the security of the US Embassy in Kyiv.

According to the sources, the notion of utilizing SOF is still in its early stages and has not yet been submitted to President Joe Biden for a decision.

After being closed for nearly three months, the embassy reopened last week.

For the time being, State Department diplomatic security officials are protecting the embassy and its small staff.

The debate revolves on whether increased security is required as the number of employees grows, and if the SOF is best able to meet those needs.

Marines generally guard US embassies around the world, but officials in Kyiv fear that without extra forces, the typical Marine Corps embassy guard personnel may not be suitable to the uncertain security situation in Ukraine.

The US does not believe Russia would strike the Embassy in a direct manner.

However, officials are concerned that Russia’s air defenses or missiles could accidentally hit the compound, escalating the situation considerably.

According to US officials, Russia has an official agreement that the US utilizes military personnel to secure its embassies around the world, and that any presence should not be interpreted as escalatory.

At the moment, the Pentagon has no desire to send air support, such as helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft.

Because of the requirement to supply potential rescue and reconnaissance forces if a US pilot goes down, this may quickly escalate the US military footprint.