US Senate committee approves $1B aid package for Ukraine
US Senate committee approves $1 billion in aid to Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
The US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the 2026 defense spending bill, which includes roughly $1 billion in military aid for Ukraine, Reuters reports.
According to the document, the committee approved $852 billion for the US Department of Defense for the next fiscal year, which ends on September 30, 2026.
This is $21.7 billion, or 2.6%, more than what was proposed in the budget of US President Donald Trump.
As the agency notes, the bill was supported by 26 senators, with three voting against it, indicating broad bipartisan approval of the initiative.
"Not only the prior administration, but this administration as well, have underestimated the level of challenge that we have," said Republican Senator Mitch McConnell.
Among the key provisions of the bill are $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, a significant portion of which will be directed toward supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.
US aid to Ukraine
Recently, the US Senate Armed Services Committee approved $500 million in security assistance for Ukraine as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2026 fiscal year.
The NDAA annually determines the funding and authorities for the US Armed Forces to ensure their readiness. The bill, approved by the committee on July 9, provides for continued support to Ukraine through 2028, increasing funding from $300 million to $500 million.
