The U.S. Department of Defense failed to use $910 million allocated for military support of Ukraine within the specified timeframe. This is evidenced by the Q1 2026 audit report for Operation Atlantic Resolve, cited by RBC-Ukraine.

According to the document, the specified amount can no longer be used to enter into new contracts with American arms manufacturers. The deadline for incurring new financial obligations for these funds has expired.

How USAI Program Funds Are Distributed

Since February 2022, the U.S. Congress has allocated $33.51 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). At the time of the report's publication, the distribution of funds is as follows:

  • $19.21 billion (57% of the total) has actually been spent on defense articles and services already delivered to Ukraine as of March 2026.
  • $13.49 billion has been distributed to industrial orders. These funds are in the contract execution stage and have not yet been paid.
  • $110 million has been allocated but not yet distributed to specific contracts.

What Happens to the "Expired" Funds

It is important to note that Pentagon rules do not provide for the automatic "burning" of expired appropriations. Although $910 million is closed to new deals, over the next five years, these funds may be drawn upon to cover additional costs for contracts signed earlier.

Context and New Partner Commitments

The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) was created by the U.S. Congress in 2014 to support Ukraine's defense capabilities following the annexation of Crimea. Unlike the Drawdown program, which involves drawing weapons directly from U.S. Army stocks, USAI provides for orders of new weapons, equipment, and ammunition from American defense companies.

While the U.S. is experiencing difficulties in using part of the allocated funds, international partners continue to ramp up support. On June 18, 2026, following a meeting in the "Ramstein" format, allies announced new military aid packages totaling approximately $4 billion.

UK Defense Minister Dan Jarvis stated that London is preparing a large package including radars, air defense missiles, and domestically produced drones. Belgium, for its part, announced its intention to transfer seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026: three aircraft will be combat-ready, while four will be used as donors for spare parts.