FT: Democrats in Congress preparing $15 billion aid package for Ukraine and measures against sanctions easing

After their victory in the November 3 midterm elections, American Democrats plan to use Congress's budget powers to limit the easing of sanctions against Russia and expand military support for Kyiv. A package of roughly $15 billion is being discussed, with an emphasis on Ukraine's energy sector and air defense. To override a Trump veto, they will need Republican support.

Aziz KarimovFirst published on tafs uz 7 November 2026 at 23:382 min read

The key facts

Democrats are discussing an aid package for Ukraine of about $15 billion, with energy and air defense as priorities (Financial Times).
The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and amendments on intelligence sharing, interceptor missiles, satellite communications and Starlink could serve as the instruments.
The Democrats will not have the two-thirds of votes needed to override a presidential veto, so an agreement with the Republicans will be required.

Democrats are preparing a new aid package for Ukraine

After their victory in the November 3 midterm elections, American Democrats intend to use Congress's budget powers to prevent President Donald Trump from easing sanctions against Russia and to secure increased military support for Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, a new aid package for Kyiv worth approximately 15 billion dollars is being discussed. Lawmakers are paying particular attention to Ukraine's energy sector and air defense. Kyiv's supporters hope to agree on part of the emergency measures before January, while the current Congress is still in session; after that, both chambers will come under Democratic control.

What has already been proposed and which mechanisms are being considered

The question of allocating 15 billion dollars had been raised before: in September Life.ru reported on the Democrats' proposal to direct this sum toward military aid for Ukraine as part of amendments to a sanctions bill. The initiative was authored by Congressmen Gregory Meeks, Bill Keating and Mike Quigley; at the time they also proposed limiting the president's authority to suspend sanctions against Russia. Now, according to the Financial Times, Democrats are considering using the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for new restrictive measures and expanded support for the Ukrainian armed forces. The amendments could affect intelligence sharing, deliveries of interceptor missiles and access to satellite communications. Lawmakers also intend to revisit Trump administration decisions that eased restrictions on trade in Russian diesel fuel, while the operation of the Starlink satellite network could become a separate focus of parliamentary oversight.

Limitations and Moscow's reaction

The Democrats will not be able to pass all their initiatives on their own: the new Congress will convene on January 3, 2027, but the party will not have the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, so advocates of expanding aid to Ukraine will have to negotiate with Republicans. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Trump might agree to tighten anti-Russian sanctions in exchange for the Democrats dropping attempts to impeach him; in his assessment, such a decision risks driving up oil prices and worsening Washington's relations with Moscow. At the same time, Medvedev does not expect any immediate serious consequences for Russia from the change in the parliamentary majority, and he described the current US administration's contacts on the Ukraine issue as useful, though not having brought about significant changes.