U.S. Senate Committee Approves $1 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine in New Defense Budget
The U.S.
Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a significant budget proposal that allocates record-breaking sums for defense and foreign aid.
The 2026 fiscal year's budget includes a dedicated $1 billion to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
This decision comes as a surprise to some critics, especially considering persistent calls from the Trump administration to withhold additional aid.
Nevertheless, bipartisan support was overwhelming: with 29 votes in favor and only three against, the bill advanced for full Senate consideration.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized that the level of challenges in the ongoing conflict is high, and the U.S.
must remain actively engaged.
The budget allocates $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, most of which are ultimately directed toward military aid to Ukraine.
McConnell highlighted that the U.S.
has learned valuable lessons from the Ukrainian conflict, stressing that ending cooperation with Ukraine would undermine America's ability to prepare for modern combat scenarios.
For the bill to become law, it needs to be approved by the full Senate, then reconciled with the House of Representatives, which currently lacks specific provisions supporting Ukraine.
Afterwards, it will be sent to President Biden for signing.
Recently, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved $500 million in military aid to Ukraine, and the U.S.
Department of Defense authorized the sale of two military aid packages, including missile defense systems and armored vehicles, totaling over $300 million.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump announced his intention to deliver Patriot missile systems to Ukraine soon, potentially shifting the military balance in Ukraine’s favor.