Funding for USAI program for Ukraine removed from annual US budget for 2027 - Senate hearing

The US budget proposal for 2027 does not include separate funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

This was discussed during hearings in the US Senate Armed Services Committee.

In particular, Maine Senator Angus King raised the issue of continued support for Ukraine and previously allocated funds. The discussion centered on USD 400 million provided for by a bipartisan, bicameral act of the US Congress last year.

According to participants in the hearing, these funds were received in March, though their distribution is still ongoing.

In turn, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, responding to Senator King’s question regarding funding for the initiative to support Ukraine, stated that Washington expects greater financial participation from European countries.

"We want Europe stepping up in funding the children and the burden. Rich countries. Europe can step up. They can fund it through the Perl initiative. That's what the American people want to see, other countries stepping up. If it is that important to Europe, and I understand why it is, then European countries should pay for it," Hegseth said.

In addition, Jules Hurst, acting Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/CFO of the United States Department of Defense, confirmed that funding for this program is not included in the document.

"Yes, that’s correct. There is no USAI funding in this budget," Hurst emphasized.

Background. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) is a military support program for Ukraine. It allowed the Pentagon to procure military equipment for the Ukrainian Armed Forces from defense companies. The program was established during Joe Biden’s presidency.