Washington, 18 December 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The US Congress on Wednesday approved a defence budget that includes $400 million in annual aid to Ukraine for the next two years.

The measure, passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, will allow the Pentagon to supply weapons to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. The legislation now awaits US President Donald Trump's signature to take effect.

Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers. The bill also sets rules for US troops in Europe, requiring that the total number of forces permanently assigned to the European Command not fall below 76,000 for more than 45 days without following reporting procedures to justify a reduction.

Estimates suggest more than 80,000 US troops were stationed in Europe this year, with numbers fluctuating due to rotations and exercises, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine started in early 2022.

Trump had previously threatened to cut the US troop presence in Germany during his first term in office (2017-21).

The congressional decisions come as the US administration signals a shift away from close transatlantic cooperation, prioritizing "America First" in the new National Security Strategy.

The strategy criticizes past approaches for favouring the defence of other countries at the expense of US interests. However, the approach taken by Congress is more in line with previous defence priorities.

MIA file photo