Senate panel approves $500 million aid for Ukraine in defence bill: Here’s what we know so far | World News
The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved $500 million for Ukraine as part of its draft version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Reuters reported. This policy bill sets the US military’s budget and priorities for the year. The Ukraine Security Assance Initiative, which gives support for training and equipment, will now run until 2028. The funding has been increased from $300 million in 2025 to $500 million in 2026.
Why is the money going to Ukraine?
The assance aims to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s ongoing invasion, which began in 2022. Ukraine continues to face heavy drone and missile attacks. June 2025 saw the highest civilian death toll in three years, with 232 people killed, according to the UN. The US, through this bill, is continuing its long-term support for Ukraine’s defence efforts.
How will this help Ukraine on the ground?
US President Donald Trump told NBC News that Patriot air defence systems will be sent to Ukraine via NATO. “We’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will dribute that,” Trump said, as quoted the BBC. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had asked for ten such systems and had a “positive dialogue” with Trump. These systems are key to shooting down incoming Russian missiles and drones.
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Who else is helping with these air defence systems?
Germany and Norway have agreed to pay for some of the Patriot systems, Zelenskyy said. A Patriot battery that was previously stationed in Israel will also be refurbished and sent to Ukraine, according to US officials cited the BBC. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was asking NATO allies to donate systems from their own stockpiles, which could be replaced later.
Why are Patriot systems important?
Patriot systems are considered among the best air defence weapons in the world. They help protect cities, power plants and military sites. A single battery costs around $1 billion. Ukraine already has some in use, alongside older S-300 and Western-made Nasams systems, forming what the military calls a “layered defence”.
What else is in the defence bill?
The NDAA authorises a total of $925 billion for national defence. Most of it—$878.7 billion—goes to the Pentagon, with $35.2 billion set aside for the Department of Energy. The bill also stops the Air Force from retiring A-10 aircraft, requiring it to keep at least 103 of them in service.
It also includes funding for military technology development, including artificial intelligence, drones and hypersonic weapons. It addresses broader threats from countries like China, Iran and North Korea.Story continues below this ad
What is Trump’s position on the war?
Since returning to office in January, Trump has called on NATO allies to increase their own defence spending. He has also expressed frustration with the lack of progress in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump said he would make a “major statement” on Russia on Monday, but gave no details. Rubio said he had a “frank” conversation with Russian Foreign Miner Sergei Lavrov last week and shared “new ideas” on how to end the war.
