US budget for 2027 excludes funding for Ukraine's USAI programme

The proposed US federal budget for 2027 does not allocate dedicated funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a key programme providing security assistance to Ukraine.

Source: hearing of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services

Details: Maine Senator Angus King raised questions about continued support for Ukraine and previously allocated funds. The discussion included US$400 million approved in 2025 under a bipartisan, bicameral act of the US Congress.

The funds were released in March, but their distribution is still ongoing.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, responding to King's question about funding for Ukraine-related initiatives, said Washington expects greater financial contributions from European countries.

Quote from Hegseth: "We want Europe stepping up and funding and shouldering the burden. They are rich countries with US$20 trillion versus economy of US$2 trillion. Europe can step up, Europe can fund it, and they have through our PURL Initiative and through our European command. [...] If it's that important to Europe, which I understand why it is – the incursion of Russia and the bravery of the Ukrainians – a European country should pay for it."

Details: Acting US Department of Defense Comptroller Jules Hurst also confirmed that the programme is not funded in the current budget proposal.

Quote from Hurst: "That's correct. There's no USAI funding in this budget."

For reference: The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) is a military aid programme that allows the Pentagon to procure equipment for Ukraine's Armed Forces from US defence companies. It was established during the presidency of Joe Biden.

Background:

• Hegseth said that US$400 million in aid to Ukraine, approved by Congress back in December 2025, had been released on 28 April.
• The package in question amounts to US$400 million under the USAI, which provides for the Pentagon to procure equipment from US defence companies. The funding was included in the National Defense Authorization Act approved by the US Congress in December 2025.

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