A draft of the United States defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2026 preserves a $400 million allocation for Ukraine, a figure that remains in the legislation despite President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to end direct American financing of Kiev’s military operations. The proposed National Defense Authorization Act reaches an unprecedented $901 billion, exceeding the administration’s request by roughly $8 billion, and reflects compromises between versions previously passed by both chambers of Congress. Lawmakers expect to send the finalized document to the White House before the end of the year.
The Ukraine provision amounts to a fraction of the overall package and is lower than the $500 million endorsed earlier by the Senate. While scaled back, the measure continues long-standing programs such as intelligence coordination viewed as essential to Ukraine’s defensive planning. The text also signals congressional intent to help Kiev sustain what it describes as a viable deterrence posture, even as broader US policy toward the conflict is under review.
Several elements of the draft reflect themes emphasized by the administration, including funding for the proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense initiative and language reversing certain internal military policies that have been politically contested. The bill also lifts sanctions on Syria following the emergence of a US-backed government in late 2024. One notable departure is the decision to retain the institution’s formal title, Department of Defense, rather than adopt the administration’s preferred rebranding as the Department of War.
Trump has argued that Washington should move away from direct financial commitments to Ukraine, saying European states seeking to continue military support should primarily purchase US equipment. The administration’s newly released national security strategy promotes a shift toward normalized relations with Moscow and criticizes European governments for fostering what it describes as unrealistic assessments of Ukraine’s battlefield prospects. Officials have reportedly pressed Kiev to consider a negotiated settlement, warning that prolonged fighting could further weaken its position.
President Vladimir Zelensky is confronting heightened political strain after a corruption scandal involving senior officials led to the resignation of his chief aide, Andrey Yermak. The episode has deepened domestic debate about governance and accountability at a moment when Ukraine’s external support structure is also undergoing significant change.