US Senate panel approves $500 million in Ukraine aid

The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee has approved $500 million in security assistance for Ukraine as part of its draft version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a key annual policy bill that sets funding and priorities for the U.S. military.

The committee passed the legislation by a bipartisan vote of 26-1 on July 9, sending a strong signal of continued support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. The bill notably extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2028 and increases its funding from $300 million in 2025 to $500 million for FY2026, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative provides critical funding to help Ukraine enhance its defense capabilities in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in 2022.

In addition to support for Ukraine, the NDAA draft contains a major provision preventing the retirement of the Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet. Responding to a controversial proposal included in President Donald Trump’s June budget request, the Senate bill prohibits the Air Force from reducing its A-10 inventory below 103 aircraft during FY2026, ensuring the continued availability of these close air support jets.

The NDAA authorises a total of $925 billion in national defense funding, including $878.7 billion for the Department of Defense and $35.2 billion for the Department of Energy. It also provides up to $6 billion in general transfer authority to respond to unforeseen, high-priority needs.

While the Senate draft increases Ukraine aid, the House of Representatives’ version of the bill maintains the current $300 million level, setting the stage for negotiations between the two chambers in the coming months.

By Vugar Khalilov