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Issue explainer

Ukraine, Russia and U.S. Aid

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has committed more than $68 billion in weapons and military services to Ukraine. Since 2025, new U.S. aid has been smaller, and European allies now pay for many U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine. Voters disagree on whether the U.S. should do more, do less, or push harder for a deal.

The basics

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 20221. From February 2022 through June 2026, the U.S. committed more than $68.2 billion in defense articles and services to Ukraine, according to the Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve2. European Union and other NATO members and partners committed about $130 billion in security aid through March 20262.

Most U.S. money came from supplemental spending bills passed from fiscal 2022 to 20242. The inspector general reported that Congress has not made significant new funding available since April 20242. Congress authorized $400 million a year for fiscal 2026 and 20272.

Under the second Trump administration, new U.S. aid has been lower than in 2022 to 2024, and the Defense Department twice briefly paused and resumed aid in 20252. In 2025 the U.S. and NATO allies launched a program, called PURL, in which allies pay for U.S. weapons for Ukraine; about $6.3 billion had been announced by June 20262. The U.S. and Ukraine also set up a joint reconstruction investment fund in 20252.

On June 4, 2026, the House passed the Ukraine Support Act, H.R. 2913, 226 to 195, after a discharge petition forced a vote23. It would provide aid to Ukraine and new penalties on Russia4. Democrats voted 207 to 1 for it, Republicans voted 194 to 18 against, and the one independent voted yes3. The bill was placed on the Senate calendar in July 2026 but had not received a Senate vote as of September 202646. Separately, on August 7, 2026, the Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, 86 to 11, which adds sanctions on Russia and tariff powers against major buyers of Russian oil and gas but no new Ukraine military aid7. The House approved it 262 to 159 on September 16, 2026, with Republicans voting 203 to 7 for it and Democrats 152 to 58 against, and President Trump signed it on September 18, 2026910.

Peace talks have not produced a lasting ceasefire. In early September 2026, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met President Putin in Moscow and President Zelenskyy in Kyiv with a proposal to end the war58. Ukraine ordered a temporary pause in fighting for the visit, and Russia launched drone attacks after Ukraine proposed it5.

Key terms

Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA)
Lets the President send weapons from existing U.S. military stocks in an emergency, up to a limit set by Congress2.
Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)
A Defense Department program that buys new weapons and services for Ukraine from industry2.
PURL
The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, a 2025 program in which NATO allies pay for U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine2.
Discharge petition
A House procedure that forces a floor vote when a majority of members sign, even if leadership opposes it. It was used for H.R. 291323.

In Texas

Foreign aid is decided in Washington, so Texans weigh in through their members of Congress. On the June 2026 Ukraine Support Act vote, Texas's House delegation split mostly by party: 13 Democrats voted yes, 23 Republicans voted no and 1 Republican, Michael McCaul, voted yes3. On the September 2026 Russia and Iran sanctions bill, 22 Texas Republicans and 3 Texas Democrats voted yes, while 10 Texas Democrats and 2 Texas Republicans voted no9.

Oversight reports have documented gaps in tracking weapons in a war zone, but as of June 2026 the Defense Department reported no credible evidence of illicit diversion or misuse of U.S.-provided weapons2.

How people see it

The strongest case for each view, in terms its supporters would recognize. We don't pick a side.

End U.S. involvement

Supporters say the war is a European problem and that U.S. taxpayers have already spent tens of billions. They argue America should focus on its own border, debt and military readiness and stop sending weapons.

Push a deal; let Europe pay

Supporters of the current approach say the U.S. should broker an end to the fighting while Europe carries most of the cost, including by buying U.S. weapons through PURL. They argue open-ended aid prolonged the war and that leverage on both sides is the path to peace.

Steady, limited U.S. aid

Some favor keeping a modest flow of U.S. aid, such as air defense, so Ukraine is not overrun while talks continue. They want clear goals and strong oversight but no return to the large aid packages of 2022 to 2024.

Restore strong U.S. aid and sanctions

Supporters of bills like the Ukraine Support Act say Ukraine must be able to negotiate from strength and Russia must pay a price. They argue that helping Ukraine defend itself deters wider war in Europe and costs far less than a conflict involving NATO.

Go further to help Ukraine win

Some want much more: long-range weapons, co-production of air defense, and tougher sanctions on Russian energy. They argue a Russian victory would reward invasion and invite threats to NATO allies and Taiwan.

Who decides

  • U.S. Congress: Appropriates aid, sets drawdown limits and passes sanctions on Russia, such as the September 2026 Russia and Iran sanctions law.
  • President, Defense and State Departments: Decide what weapons to send, run sanctions and lead peace negotiations.
  • NATO allies: Fund much of the current aid, including U.S. weapons bought through PURL.

Questions to ask a candidate

  • Would you vote for the Ukraine Support Act or similar aid and sanctions bills?
  • Should Europe pay for U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine, or should the U.S. fund them directly?
  • What peace terms, if any, should the U.S. support?
  • How should Congress keep track of weapons and money sent to Ukraine?

Last reviewed 2026-09-26. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.

Sources

  1. U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine (IF12040, February 15, 2024 version)Congressional Research Service
  2. U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine Since 2022 (IF12040, updated August 31, 2026)Congressional Research Service (via EveryCRSReport)
  3. Roll Call 207, H.R. 2913, June 4, 2026Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  4. H.R. 2913: Ukraine Support ActGovTrack.us
  5. Ukraine orders temporary ceasefire as US envoys set to visit Kyiv, Moscow for peace talksThe Kyiv Independent
  6. Text of H.R. 2913: Ukraine Support Act (Placed on Calendar in the Senate version, July 20, 2026)GovTrack.us
  7. Long-stalled Russia sanctions bill passed by SenateRoll Call
  8. Witkoff and Kushner call Kyiv talks 'substantive' after Moscow Putin meetingNPR
  9. Roll Call 308, H.R. 5334 (motion to concur in Senate amendments), September 16, 2026Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
  10. US President Signs Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill with New Tariff PowersBaker McKenzie Global Sanctions and Export Controls Blog