The $500 million Ukraine aid bill advanced in the US Senate after the Armed Services Committee approved it, according to The Hill. The package cleared its first major hurdle this week with strong bipartisan support from the Senate Armed Services Committee. The legislation adds $200 million for 2026 and extends the Pentagon’s Ukraine assistance program through 2028.
The full Senate and House must still vote on the legislation before it becomes law. Military aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion remains a debated issue in Congress, where divisions have slowed or blocked past support measures. Notably, more than a year ago, Senate Republicans stalled the approval of Ukraine for six months — a delay that gave Russia the advantage and allowed it to seize the initiative and advance on the battlefield. Since US President Donald Trump returned to office, neither he nor Congress has approved any new aid for Ukraine — all current supplies continue from packages passed under the Biden administration.
Senate committee advances long-term Ukraine support plan
The Hill reported on 11 July that the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) approved the $500 million Ukraine aid bill two days earlier as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The vote passed 26–1. The bill includes a $200 million increase in Ukraine aid for 2026 and extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2028.
Created in 2015, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative serves as a Department of Defense funding source for providing Ukraine’s military and security forces with training, equipment, logistics, supplies, intelligence support, and related services.
As the bill advanced in the Senate, the broader geopolitical landscape shifted sharply. US President Donald Trump has recently taken a firmer stance against Moscow, in contrast to his earlier position, when he blamed Ukraine for Russia’s invasion.
NATO allies increase defense spending, EU unveils $162M rearmament plan
As part of broader coordination, NATO member states have earlier agreed to raise their defense spending to 5% of GDP — a long-standing demand from Trump. This shift comes as the European Union moves to implement a $162 million readiness initiative aimed at rearming European forces within five years.
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