$750 million for the Ukrainian Armed Forces: what the U.S. Senate’s decision entails
12 June 08:05
The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee has endorsed the continuation of security assistance to Ukraine and an increase in funding for the relevant program to $750 million. These funds are part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This is stated on the Committee’s official website, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
This decision was included in the Senate version of the comprehensive U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The total amount of the defense package is approximately $1.15 trillion.
According to Reuters, the initiative is yet another signal of support for Ukraine from American lawmakers amid attempts by the Donald Trump administration to cut financial and military aid to Kyiv.
The bill has not yet taken effect: it still requires a vote by the full Senate, reconciliation with the House of Representatives, and the signature of the U.S. president.
What the bill provides for Ukraine
The bill contains four key provisions that directly concern Ukraine. They cover military aid, non-recognition of the Russian occupation, intelligence support, and cooperation in the field of defense technologies.
The first provision extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2029.
What the aid to Ukraine entails
Funding in the amount of $750 million is to be channeled through the USAI program. This mechanism does not involve the direct transfer of weapons from U.S. stockpiles, but rather the payment to American companies for the production and supply of weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative was created to strengthen the Ukrainian army’s defense capabilities and support the protection of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Prohibition on Recognizing Russian Annexation
The Senate version of the defense bill contains a political provision that is important for Ukraine. The document prohibits the use of U.S. budget funds for any actions that could directly or indirectly imply recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over internationally recognized territories of Ukraine.
This means that if the bill is passed, U.S. government funds cannot be used for measures that would legitimize Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Intelligence Support for Kyiv
Another key provision of the bill concerns intelligence. The document requires the U.S. Department of Defense to provide Ukraine with full intelligence support for planning and conducting military operations to defend and de-occupy territories.
For Ukraine, such support is of strategic importance, as intelligence helps plan defensive actions more effectively, counter Russian attacks, and protect civilian infrastructure.
Why the decision is not yet final
Despite the support of the relevant committee, the bill has not yet become law. It must now be considered by the full Senate.
After the Senate vote, the bill must be reconciled with the House of Representatives’ version. Only then will the final text of the bill be sent to the U.S. president for his signature.
Thus, increasing aid to Ukraine to $750 million still has to go through several stages of the legislative process.
