Ukraine ambassador reports no lend-lease extension in 2025 US defense bill
Key provisions include continuing the ban on Russian funds, plans for an AI weapons center involving Ukraine, and reporting on Russia’s terrorism financing.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova reported on 12 December that while the US 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved by the House of Representatives includes several important provisions supporting Ukraine, it does not extend the lend-lease program. The bill now awaits Senate approval, which is expected next week.
According to Markarova’s Facebook post, the legislation passed with 281 representatives voting in favor and 140 against, including 16 Republicans and 124 Democrats.
The ambassador outlined key Ukraine-related provisions in the consolidated text, including:
- Continuation of the prohibition on using any funds that could lead to recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over occupied regions of Ukraine
- Direction for the US Secretary of Defense to explore establishing a center of excellence supporting development and improvement of AI-based weapons systems, with functions including Pentagon cooperation with foreign partners like Ukraine
- Requirement for the Director of National Intelligence, Secretary of State, and Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report to relevant Congressional committees on Russia’s financing of international terrorism
Markarova noted that funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) for fiscal year 2025 was previously set at $300 million in last year’s NDAA.
The ambassador highlighted that while the Senate-approved version of the NDAA contained provisions extending the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, these were not included in the House version or the final consolidated bill. She indicated that the embassy continues working to preserve this mechanism, which is also proposed in the bipartisan Stand with Ukraine Act.
Related:
- Canadian Parliament approves almost $ 600 mn in military aid to Ukraine
- Russian asset proceeds fund new $20 billion US loan to Ukraine
- Pentagon unveils $ 988 mn Ukraine military aid as Biden speeds assistance before Trump transition
- WP: Trump must avoid appeasement trap in Ukraine-Russia peace talks if he wants to end war
- US, Germany “not ready” to invite Ukraine to NATO, alliance source says
- Ukraine receives MOPMS systems from US to fortify frontlines against Russian advances
- Biden’s new $725 million Ukraine military aid package focuses on air defense, artillery
- US suspends strategic partnership with Georgia over EU accession halt
- US’ Sullivan confirms no nuclear weapons return to Ukraine
- Lend-Lease for Ukraine: Is it dead or just on hold?
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