Overview
On December 17, 2025, the US Senate voted to send the annual National Defense Authorization" class="inline-tag-link">Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to President Donald Trump’s desk, marking a pivotal moment for US-Ukraine relations amid 2025's sharp aid cuts[1]. The bill authorizes $400 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funding for arms in 2026 and 2027, a fraction of prior $14 billion packages but significant given Washington's near-total halt on direct assistance.
Key Developments
- Senate passed NDAA on December 17, including provisions for new military aid, oversight of Trump administration arms sales and intelligence to Kyiv, and support for returning abducted Ukrainian children[1].
- Funding drops to $400 million for USAI, extendable to 2029, preventing easy redirection like June's 20,000 anti-drone interceptors sent to Israel and Middle East[1].
- New reporting mandates require Defense Secretary to notify Congress within 48 hours of any pause in intelligence support to Ukraine, countering November White House threats[1].
- Bipartisan Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery Act by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) aids locating and rehabilitating children taken by Russia[1].
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | $400M USAI funds available until 2029 | Bolsters Ukraine defenses without full commitment, aids US industrial base revival[1] |
| Political | Strict oversight on intel pauses; bipartisan child recovery bill | Signals Congressional pushback against Trump admin pressure tactics on Kyiv[1] |
| Social | Efforts to return abducted kids post-December hearing with Ukraine ambassador | Unites parties on humanitarian front amid invasion[1] |
Expert Reactions
"The NDAA includes the best legislative support from Congress that Ukraine has received all year," notes Atlantic Council analysis, highlighting dramatic 2025 aid reductions[1]. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) advances discharge petition for Russia sanctions and new aid[1].
What's Next
President Trump expected to sign NDAA soon; USAI funds roll out for 2026-2027; potential Fitzpatrick petition vote on sanctions could force aid debate[1].