Pentagon unblocks USD 400 million in military aid to Ukraine, which was approved last year

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth officially announced the resumption of funding for the military aid package to Ukraine, which was approved last year but had remained on hold due to procedural delays. The Pentagon chief made this announcement during a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, according to the Kyiv Post.

According to Hegseth, as of April 29, all necessary funds had been released following prolonged political pressure from US lawmakers who demanded that the delivery be expedited.

The Secretary cited “bureaucratic hurdles” as the reason for the prolonged funding delay, assuring lawmakers that these obstacles have now finally been overcome. The decision to unblock USD 400 million will allow for the resumption of deliveries of the critically important weapons and equipment included in this package.

This move by Washington comes amid increased military support for Ukraine from other Western partners, notably the UK’s recent establishment of a maritime defense alliance with nine European countries.

As a reminder, on March 4, US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to all military aid to Ukraine.

The US also stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine, rendering the HIMARS systems inoperable.

In addition, Maxar Technologies blocked Ukraine’s access to satellite imagery following a directive from the US.

The US has also restricted support for the F-16 fighter jets transferred to the Ukrainian military.