Trump administration plans to stretch $400 million in Ukraine aid through 2029
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (photo: Getty Images)
The Trump administration has informed members of the US Congress that it does not plan to spend the full $400 million in funding allocated by Congress for aid to Ukraine by the end of this year. Instead, the entire amount will be disbursed through 2029, Reuters reports.
According to the source, in May the US Department of Defense sent lawmakers a letter outlining its spending plan. However, two months after the letter was sent, the funds have still not been allocated and have not even been committed under contracts.
Two other sources said members of Congress are unhappy with the Pentagon's timeline, arguing that it is too slow given the war in Ukraine.
Reuters notes that the letter said the funds would be allocated during the 2026 fiscal year, which ends on September 30. It also stated that the final delivery of the entire aid package is scheduled for September 30, 2029.
The agency also points out that US President Donald Trump's second term ends on January 20, 2029. This means Ukraine could receive the full $400 million in aid only after Trump has left office.
What you need to know
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell recently accused the Pentagon in late April of delaying aid to Ukraine.
Following a wave of criticism, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the Department of Defense had officially unblocked a $400 million aid package for Ukraine.
In early June, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there would soon be news regarding military assistance for Ukraine.
