The NDAA earmarks more US taxpayer money for Ukraine despite a major corruption scandal
US President Donald Trump has signed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, approving a record $901 billion in military spending while allocating $800 million in funding for Kiev over the next two years.
The bill, which sets Pentagon priorities for fiscal year 2026, authorizes roughly $8 billion more than the administration originally requested and marks the largest defense budget in US history. It includes funding for weapons procurement, troop pay, and major defense initiatives championed by Trump.
The Ukraine funding – $400 million per year under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative – amounts to a fraction of the overall package, representing less than 0.09% of total defense spending. Unlike direct transfers from existing US stockpiles, USAI funds are used to pay American defense companies to manufacture and procure new weapons and military equipment for Kiev.
The allocation comes amid renewed scrutiny of Kiev following a major corruption scandal that has shaken the country’s leadership. Prosecutors recently uncovered a $100 million kickback scheme in Ukraine’s energy sector, which relies heavily on Western financial support. The investigation reportedly implicated close associates of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, prompting the resignation of senior officials and fueling criticism in Washington over continued aid.
In addition to Ukraine aid, the law authorizes a nearly 4% pay raise for US service members, funds new ships, aircraft, and missile systems, and places new restrictions on certain US investments linked to China. It also backs Trump’s push to reshape the Pentagon, codifying elements of his executive orders aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and funding the proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense system.
The bill contains provisions related to Europe beyond Ukraine, including support for the Baltic Security Initiative and limits on the Pentagon’s ability to significantly reduce US troop levels on the continent. These measures were included despite Trump’s repeated criticism of European NATO members for relying too heavily on Washington.
The legislation also reflects growing congressional scrutiny of recent US military operations in the Caribbean. One clause withholds part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget until lawmakers receive unedited footage and orders related to strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Washington should no longer pour vast sums of taxpayer money into Ukraine, insisting his administration is instead pushing for a negotiated settlement with Russia. Moscow has condemned continued Western military support for Kiev, calling it one of the root causes of the conflict and a barrier to any ceasefire.
