Latest news with #UkraineSecurityAssistanceInitiative
Russia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Pentagon can retake weapons destined for Ukraine
The Pentagon has a policy in place allowing US-made weapons intended for Ukraine to be redirected back to American stockpiles, CNN reported on Friday, citing a confidential memo seen by several sources. According to the memo reportedly written by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby – described by the network as 'a noted skeptic of arming Ukraine' – the department has the power to retake arms designated for Kiev under a program known as the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). While CNN sources reported that no weapons have apparently been diverted under the guidance, the policy could 'rob Ukraine of billions of dollars worth of US-made materiel expected to be delivered over the coming months and years.' The memo makes 'an already murky picture of the status of US arms shipments to Ukraine' even more uncertain, the network warned, particularly given the expected meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump. Under the reported memo, weapons in short supply, such as interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, require direct approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before being sent abroad. The pull-back provision is reportedly part of the same document Hegseth used last month to suspend the flow of weapons, including Patriot missiles, to Ukraine. At the time, Pentagon officials sounded the alarm over dwindling supplies at home, although Trump later ordered that shipments be resumed. The US president has since said that American weapons could be sent to Ukraine under an arrangement in which the EU would pay Washington '100% of the cost of all military equipment.' Russia has repeatedly condemned Western arms shipments to Ukraine, warning they only prolong the conflict without changing its outcome while making NATO a direct participant in the hostilities.
Epoch Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Senate Panel Approves $1 Billion for Ukraine in Pentagon Spending Bill
A Senate appropriations panel has advanced an $852 billion Pentagon funding bill that includes about $1 billion in aid for Ukraine, which comes as President Donald Trump has hardened his demands for Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the measure on July 31 in a 26–3 vote. It would provide $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, both aimed at strengthening Kyiv's defenses and supporting regional allies against Russia's invasion.
The Hill
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Senate panel approves $500M of Ukraine aid
The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) approved a $500 million defense assistance package for Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia. On July 9, the SASC voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a yearly bill to fund the Department of Defense. In a 26-1 vote, they extended the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2028, adding $200 million for 2026. The Ukraine Security Assistance, created in 2015, is 'a funding source for DoD security assistance to Ukraine's military and other security forces, including intelligence support, training, equipment, logistics, supplies, and services,' according to Ukraine Oversight. Russian strikes in Ukraine have escalated in the past few months. Tensions between the Kremlin and the White House have also exploded. On March 25, President Trump said he is 'not happy with what Putin is doing,' a strong reversal compared to the early days of the presidency, when he blamed Ukraine for the war. NATO and European allies have also ramped up defense talks against Russia. On July 11, Trump struck a deal with NATO to send patriot batteries, a key defense mechanism against ballistic missiles, to Kyiv. On July 10, the White House announced sending 'episodic deployments' of hypersonic missiles to Germany. This improves Germany's ability to strike Russia with long-range missiles in case of a broader regional conflict. Additionally, NATO allies have promised to increase their contributions to NATO to 5 percent of their GDP, a policy that Trump has long awaited. Since Trump pressured Europe to increase their defense spending and stop depending on the U.S., the EU has also signed a $162 million readiness plan. They aim to rearm Europe within 5 years, a goal which seems almost impossible, but is a warning sign to Russia. The NDAA also restricts the retirement of A-10 aircraft. In the commander-in-chief's June budget request, he wanted to retire the A-10 Warthogs with newer jets, according to Reuters. The draft, however, required the Department of Defense to keep at least 103 aircraft in FY2026. The bill still has to go through the House and Senate, where military aid to Ukraine is more debated.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Senate panel approves $500 million aid for Ukraine in defence bill: Here's what we know so far
The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved $500 million for Ukraine as part of its draft version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Reuters reported. This policy bill sets the US military's budget and priorities for the year. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which gives support for training and equipment, will now run until 2028. The funding has been increased from $300 million in 2025 to $500 million in 2026. The assistance aims to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia's ongoing invasion, which began in 2022. Ukraine continues to face heavy drone and missile attacks. June 2025 saw the highest civilian death toll in three years, with 232 people killed, according to the UN. The US, through this bill, is continuing its long-term support for Ukraine's defence efforts. US President Donald Trump told NBC News that Patriot air defence systems will be sent to Ukraine via NATO. 'We're going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that,' Trump said, as quoted by the BBC. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had asked for ten such systems and had a 'positive dialogue' with Trump. These systems are key to shooting down incoming Russian missiles and drones. Germany and Norway have agreed to pay for some of the Patriot systems, Zelenskyy said. A Patriot battery that was previously stationed in Israel will also be refurbished and sent to Ukraine, according to US officials cited by the BBC. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was asking NATO allies to donate systems from their own stockpiles, which could be replaced later. Patriot systems are considered among the best air defence weapons in the world. They help protect cities, power plants and military sites. A single battery costs around $1 billion. Ukraine already has some in use, alongside older S-300 and Western-made Nasams systems, forming what the military calls a 'layered defence'. The NDAA authorises a total of $925 billion for national defence. Most of it—$878.7 billion—goes to the Pentagon, with $35.2 billion set aside for the Department of Energy. The bill also stops the Air Force from retiring A-10 aircraft, requiring it to keep at least 103 of them in service. It also includes funding for military technology development, including artificial intelligence, drones and hypersonic weapons. It addresses broader threats from countries like China, Iran and North Korea. Since returning to office in January, Trump has called on NATO allies to increase their own defence spending. He has also expressed frustration with the lack of progress in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Trump said he would make a 'major statement' on Russia on Monday, but gave no details. Rubio said he had a 'frank' conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week and shared 'new ideas' on how to end the war.
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Senate panel approves $500 million aid for Ukraine in defense bill
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: A general view of the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo WASHINGTON - The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved $500 million in security assistance for Ukraine as part of its draft language for its Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which also restricts A-10 aircraft retirements. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual policy bill that authorizes funding levels and provides authorities for the U.S. military. It ensures that American forces have the necessary resources to carry out their missions and is closely watched by weapons makers like Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co. The NDAA, passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee with a vote of 26-1 on July 9, 2025, includes a provision to extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2028, increasing authorized funding to $500 million from $300 million in 2025. The initiative aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities as it battles Russian forces which invaded in 2022. The bill also prohibits a controversial request made in President Donald Trump's June budget request to retire the Air Force A-10 fleet. The draft requires that the inventory of the A-10 cannot drop below 103 aircraft in FY26, ensuring the continued operation of these close air support planes. The draft of the bill will make its way through the legislative process in the coming months. The lower House of Representatives kept Ukraine support at $300 million in its version. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore ST will have Govt's 'full confidence and support' in its mission: PM Wong Singapore ST will aim to become an indispensable partner to S'pore's communities: Editor Jaime Ho Singapore Heartbeats & Headlines: ST's 180-year legacy comes to life in immersive exhibition Singapore Trusted news, smarter experience with new Straits Times website and app Singapore Community space Stranger Conversations blossoms as a 'library of human stories' and life experiences Singapore Judge declines to void alleged sham marriage in S'pore, says it is for Parliament to decide Singapore New list of technologies that reduce carbon footprint of buildings to be ready by Q1 2026 Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term The NDAA supports a total of $925 billion in funding for national defense, with $878.7 billion allocated to the Department of Defense and $35.2 billion to the Department of Energy. The bill also allows for up to $6 billion in general transfer authority for unforeseen higher-priority needs. In addition to Ukraine, the NDAA addresses various global security challenges, including threats from China, Iran, and North Korea. It emphasizes the need for technological advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, unmanned technology, and hypersonic weapons to maintain U.S. military superiority. REUTERS
