The Trump administration has halted future aid to Ukraine through the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement program, even as Russia intensifies attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
During a late-September meeting with congressional staff, State Department officials said they had received White House guidance to stop future funding through the program, according to a Senate Democratic aide familiar with the discussion. The INCLE program helps Ukraine’s police, border guards and other security personnel protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
The guidance from the White House came despite the State Department’s earlier decision to allow Ukraine’s INCLE programs to continue after the agency completed a foreign assistance review. State later redirected $50 million in congressionally appropriated fiscal year 2025 funding intended for Ukraine to the Western Hemisphere, the aide said.
The department did not notify Congress of the transfer, according to the aide. The State Department divided the $50 million among several Western Hemisphere countries in amounts below congressional notification thresholds, according to the aide, who said the transfers were structured to avoid notifying Congress.
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Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) are pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release urgently needed security assistance to Ukraine and prevent another diversion of congressionally approved funding.
In a bipartisan letter to Rubio shared with The Washington Sun, the senators said State had “inexplicably reprogrammed” the $50 million and demanded an explanation. They also urged Rubio to prioritize Ukraine when distributing $80 million in fiscal year 2026 INCLE funding designated for Europe and Eurasia. Congress did not earmark the entire amount for Ukraine.
“Delaying the obligation of FY 2026 funds risks leaving Ukrainian citizens and infrastructure more vulnerable at a critical moment,” the senators wrote.
Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities ahead of winter, threatening electricity, heating and water supplies for millions of Ukrainians.
Congressional staff said they are concerned the administration could again redirect funds intended for Ukraine to the Western Hemisphere.
The State Department has separately redirected roughly $52 million in Foreign Military Financing intended for European and Middle Eastern partners to the Western Hemisphere, drawing criticism from Shaheen and New York Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Shaheen and Tillis also argued that continued assistance to Ukraine would strengthen its anti-corruption institutions and rule of law, helping create a more stable environment for American businesses operating in the country.
They pointed to approximately 120 American companies operating in Ukraine and said cooperation with Ukrainian security institutions also gives the U.S. access to lessons from the country’s rapidly evolving defense technology.
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