US Senate Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Use Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Defense

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U.S. Senate lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill on June 24, 2026, aimed at redirecting seized Russian sovereign assets to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities, according to a statement from the U.S. Senate. The proposal, termed the SABER (Supporting Ukraine’s Armed Forces with Escalated Resources) bill, seeks to utilize frozen Russian funds held in Western banks to finance the procurement of weapons and defense equipment for Kyiv.

The initiative was announced by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and a coalition of bipartisan colleagues, including Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). Whitehouse stated in a press release that the bill “creates a direct pathway for the U.S. government to deploy frozen Russian assets in a manner that prioritizes Ukraine’s security needs.” A senior Senate aide confirmed the bill’s introduction but noted that it remains in early drafting stages, with no formal legislative text released as of June 24.

Ukrainian officials have welcomed the proposal as a potential breakthrough in addressing prolonged supply shortages. Natalia Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, said in a statement cited by Ukrinform that the SABER bill “opens new opportunities to leverage Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense.” She emphasized that the measure could accelerate the delivery of Western military aid, which has faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and funding constraints.

The bill’s approach aligns with broader discussions in Washington and European capitals about the legal and ethical implications of using frozen Russian assets. Since 2022, the U.S. and its allies have frozen billions in Russian central bank reserves and private assets following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. While some countries have explored using these funds to compensate for war damages, the SABER bill marks one of the first legislative efforts to explicitly tie the assets to direct military support for Ukraine.

Legal experts caution that the bill’s viability depends on navigating complex international law. A 2023 report by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) noted that the use of frozen assets for humanitarian or military purposes could face challenges under existing treaties. However, the bill’s drafters argue that the U.S. government’s authority to manage seized assets is supported by the 2022 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, which authorized the Treasury Department to “redeploy” funds for “national security purposes.”

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from advocacy groups. Human Rights Watch expressed concern that redirecting assets without clear oversight mechanisms could set a precedent for unilateral actions by powerful nations. Conversely, the Ukrainian American Coalition praised the bill as “a long-overdue recognition of Ukraine’s right to self-defense.”

As of June 24, the Senate’s legislative calendar does not include immediate floor votes on the SABER bill. However, its introduction reflects growing pressure on Congress to address gaps in Ukraine’s defense logistics. In May 2026, the Pentagon reported that Ukraine had received only 65% of its requested Western military aid, citing “supply chain bottlenecks” and “unpredictable funding flows.”

The bill’s success would also hinge on coordination with European allies, who hold significant portions of the frozen Russian assets. A European Commission spokesperson stated in a June 23 statement that “the EU is evaluating all options to support Ukraine’s defense, including the potential use of frozen assets.” However, no formal agreement has been announced.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the issue during a June 22 press conference, stating, “Every asset that can be used to stop Russian aggression must be utilized. This bill is a step in the right direction, but more action is needed.”

The SABER bill’s next steps remain unclear. A Senate committee hearing is expected to be scheduled in July 2026, though no official date has been set. If passed, the legislation would require the Treasury Department to establish a dedicated fund for Ukraine’s military purchases, with oversight from a bipartisan congressional panel.

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What is the SABER bill?
The SABER (Supporting Ukraine’s Armed Forces with Escalated Resources) bill is a proposed U.S. legislative measure to redirect seized Russian sovereign assets toward Ukraine’s defense needs. Introduced by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and bipartisan colleagues, the bill aims to bypass traditional aid channels by directly using frozen Russian funds to purchase weapons and equipment for Kyiv.

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How do seized Russian assets factor into this?
Since 2022, the U.S. and its allies have frozen over $300 billion in Russian central bank reserves and private assets. The SABER bill proposes using a portion of these funds to finance Ukraine’s military procurement. Legal experts note that the bill’s success depends on reconciling its goals with international law, as the use of frozen assets for military purposes remains a contentious issue.

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What are the next steps for the bill?
The SABER bill is in early drafting stages, with no formal legislative text released as of June 24, 2026. A Senate committee hearing is expected in July, though no official date has been set. The bill’s passage would require coordination with European allies and adherence to legal frameworks governing frozen assets.

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Why does this matter?
The SABER bill reflects growing pressure on Western governments to address Ukraine’s military supply gaps. If enacted, it could accelerate the delivery of Western aid, which has faced delays due to bureaucratic and funding challenges. However, its implementation would depend on navigating complex legal and diplomatic hurdles.