Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers Wednesday the $400 million was released Tuesday for use through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
- USAI is the Pentagon program that buys weapons and gear from U.S. contractors and transfers them to Ukraine.
- Acting Comptroller Jules Hurst said the funds had been under legal review and that delivery timing will depend on what Ukraine decides to purchase and guidance from U.S. European Command.
- Congress set aside the money in the fiscal 2026 defense law passed in December 2025, with a separate $400 million authorized for fiscal 2027.
- Hurst confirmed the Pentagon’s draft fiscal 2027 budget contains no USAI line, which could force new action by Congress or create a gap in future support.