Trump signs the US defense budget – Ukraine will receive 800 million in aid
19 December 2025 08:55
On December 18, the President of the United States signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA-2026), which sets out key priorities for funding US security and defense policy.
The document, known as S.1071, is the annual framework law governing U.S. defense and national security spending.
What does the NDAA-2026 provide for?
The law authorizes funds in FY2026 for:
- department of Defense programs and military construction;
- national security programs of the Department of Energy, including those related to nuclear safety
- activities of the US intelligence services;
- certain programs of the State Department in the field of security and foreign policy.
In addition to funding, the document provides for an increase in the basic pay of U.S. military personnel, as well as expands and clarifies the powers related to the functioning of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The budget provides for $800 million in aid to Ukraine, spread over two years – $400 million annually. The funds are allocated through the USAI (Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative) program.
This means that the Pentagon will order new weapons and equipment directly from U.S. manufacturers, rather than transferring old stocks from warehouses. The USAI program itself was officially extended until 2029.
Congress introduced a ban on troop withdrawals in the budget – the Pentagon is prohibited from reducing the number of US troops in Europe below the level of 76,000 without good reason. The document also prohibits the commander of U.S. forces in Europe from relinquishing the position of Supreme Allied Commander.
Not just defense
The NDAA is traditionally characterized by its broad scope. In addition to military issues, the law contains provisions relating to:
- national and internal security
- foreign policy decisions
- trade and economic security;
- the work of the judicial system;
- other government programs related to the security and strategic interests of the United States.
Why this law is important
The Defense Authorization Act has been adopted by the US Congress every year for decades and is considered one of the key tools for shaping US security policy. It not only determines the amount of funding, but also sets political and strategic guidelines for the government, the Pentagon, and US allies.
The signing of the NDAA-2026 marks the official start of the US defense programs in the new fiscal year.
