Democrats in the US Congress are discussing a new package of military aid for Ukraine worth around 15 billion dollars. The funding may be directed towards strengthening Ukraine’s air defences and supporting its energy infrastructure, which is under systematic Russian attack. Following its victory in the mid-term elections, the Democratic Party also plans to step up sanctions pressure on Russia.
- The Democrats are discussing a new military aid package for Ukraine worth approximately $15 billion.
- Among the priorities are strengthening air defences and supporting Ukraine’s energy sector.
- The new US Congress will take office in January 2027.
- The Democrats also plan to step up sanctions pressure on Russia.
The US Congress is discussing further aid for Ukraine
Representatives of the Democratic Party are considering the possibility of putting together a new security aid package for Kyiv worth approximately 15 billion dollars. A staff member of the House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee has revealed these plans.
After victories in the by-elections The Democrats will gain control of both houses of Congress. The new legislature will take office in January 2027, enabling the party to exert greater influence over budgetary decisions, military aid to Ukraine and sanctions policy towards Moscow.
At the same time, US lawmakers are keen to secure support for Kyiv before the new Congress takes office. One of the main priorities for this period remains the restoration of Ukraine’s energy sector and the protection of critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.
Priority will be given to missiles for the Patriot system and the protection of the energy sector
Ukraine is entering a difficult winter period against a backdrop of ongoing Russia's attacks at power stations, substations and transmission grids. At the same time, Ukraine’s air defence forces are facing a shortage of American interceptor missiles, particularly for the Patriot systems.
To speed up the provision of aid, supporters of Ukraine can make use of the annual US defence policy bill — the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA). Amendments can be tabled to this bill concerning the supply of interceptors, intelligence support, sanctions against Russia and satellite communications.
In particular, a senior adviser to the organisation Razom for Ukraine Melinda Haring expects that the issues of air defence and the operation of the Starlink and Starshield satellite systems may form part of the debate on defence legislation.
The final breakdown of the proposed $15 billion across different sectors has not yet been made public. It is therefore not yet known exactly how much of the funding may be allocated to armaments, air defence or the energy sector.
The Democrats want to review Trump’s sanctions policy towards Russia
In addition to military aid, the new majority in Congress intends to tighten its control over the administration’s foreign policy Donald Trump.
One of the points of contention was Washington’s decision to ease certain restrictions on Russian energy resources. The Democrats plan to review the sanctions legislation to make it more difficult for the President to grant exemptions on his own.
Lawmakers are also considering the possibility of investigating the circumstances surrounding the disruption to satellite communications Starlink, which is used by the Ukrainian armed forces. The recent slowdown in the service has raised questions about the reliability of the communications needed for Ukraine’s defence.
Will Congress be able to approve $15 billion in aid?
Despite the Democrats’ victory, the allocation of new funds is not guaranteed. The US President retains the right to veto bills passed by Congress, and an override requires the support of two-thirds of the members in both houses.
This means that the Democrats will need the support of some Republicans if the Trump administration opposes the new package.
Representatives of the Democratic Party have already described increasing aid to Ukraine as one of their priorities once the new Congress takes office. At the same time, the agency warns that even if the funding is successfully approved, it will not ensure the immediate delivery of the Patriot missiles that Ukraine needs to protect its cities and power grid.
The $15 billion package is currently under discussion. The US Congress has not yet taken a formal decision on the allocation of these funds.
