it prepares to receive up to

[Maybo]

The crash and deaths are a major upset for Ukraine as it prepares to receive up to 61 F-16 fighter jets from its allies, in a bid to step up its counteroffensive.
(Ukraine war: Fighter ace and two other pilots killed in mid-air crash by Alex Binley)

What's the difference between "it prepares to receive " and "it's preparing to receive"?

 

[Tarheel]

I don't see any difference between the two.

 

[Maybo]

I don't see any difference between the two.

Do they have different emphasises?

In the article, there is another sentence using “preparing”:
“Meanwhile, other Western allies are preparing to start training Ukrainians later this month.”

What the difference if it says “allies prepare to start”?

 

[Tarheel]

It's hard to say there is a difference. In either case they are getting ready to train those Ukrainians for something.