Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Ukrainian Defense

The legislation would foster greater investment by NATO allies in Ukraine's defense as well as build out the capacity of the U.S. defense industrial base

Today, Arizona senator, Navy combat veteran, and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Mark Kelly (D-AZ), alongside Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Alan Armstrong (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), introduced the bipartisan Fast Tracking European Investment in Ukraine's Defense Act to boost Ukraine's defense by allowing for the more consistent and timely provision of high-volume, low-tech munitions critical to the country's fight against Russian aggression.

"Ukraine urgently needs artillery and rockets, but bureaucratic delays are hindering the delivery of critical munitions. Each day we wait strengthens Putin's position. This bipartisan bill creates a faster, clearer pathway to get Ukraine the weapons it needs to protect itself," said Kelly.

"I've been to Ukraine twice-most recently in June-and saw firsthand how critical U.S. investments have been for Ukrainians' defense," said Kaine. "We're currently at a pivotal point in the war-we must keep up the pressure on Russia and show that the democracies of the world continue to stand united against authoritarian regimes. I'm glad to be working with this bipartisan group of senators to boost U.S. and allied support and help ensure our European partners can invest in the swift high-volume production and transfer of urgently-needed low-tech munitions to Ukraine. I'm going to keep urging my colleagues to join us in this important effort."

"Third-party transfers of high-volume munitions have helped Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression while also ensuring our European allies share the cost burden, and it's unfortunate that this valuable tool is often caught in a cumbersome arms export approval process," said Cornyn. "Our commonsense legislation would cut red tape to expedite the process for our allies to purchase and transfer certain munitions to Ukraine so they can continue their fight against Putin's unprovoked invasion, and I'm proud to join Senator Kaine to introduce it."

"Ukraine stands on the front lines of freedom, protecting the world from Putin's aggression," said Coons. "Our European allies have stepped forward, taking on more of the financial burden of investing in Ukraine's defense. We should pass this bill to support our allies' efforts, strengthen our own industrial base, and ensure Ukraine has the weapons it needs to win on the battlefield."

"Ukraine's ability to defend itself is essential to the security and stability of Europe and the broader transatlantic alliance. The Fast Tracking European Investment in Ukraine's Defense Act strengthens our allies, encourages greater European burden-sharing, and helps ensure Ukraine has the resources it needs to deter Russian aggression while advancing our shared security interests," said Armstrong.

"As Russia continues it's illegal attack on Ukraine, it's imperative we work alongside NATO to do everything we can to provide Ukraine with the valuable resources they need," said Tillis. "I am proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan legislation that will help us better support Ukraine in its fight against Putin's authoritarian aggression by ensuring a consistent supply of critical low-tech munitions."

"When Putin loses America is safer. Vladimir Putin has waged his brutal war against Ukraine. However, Ukraine continues to courageously hold the line and take the fight to Russia. Getting weapons to Ukraine faster is just commonsense. This bill does just that without any additional cost to taxpayers. Continuing our support of Ukraine will keep Americans safe," said Ricketts.

"For over four years, Ukraine has been fighting back against Putin's unprovoked and illegal invasion to protect its sovereignty and prevent a broader war in Europe," said Rosen. "I'm proud to join this bipartisan bill which will help ensure that Ukraine can swiftly get the munitions it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression, while also providing our European allies an opportunity to more effectively do their part in supporting Ukraine and helping defend democracy on the continent."

Background:

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Senator Kelly has fought to provide Ukraine with the tools it needs for success. This summer, Kelly made his fourth trip to Ukraine where he delivered remarks at the 2026 Black Sea Security Forum. Last week, Senator Kelly and 60 other Senators introduced the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.

Third-party transfers of high-volume artillery and rocket munitions have been essential to keeping Ukraine supplied and ensuring European partners are sharing the burden. However, each transaction requires a lengthy arms export approval process by the U.S. government, and many of these transactions consist of the same low-tech munitions. This rigorous process is hindering Ukraine's ability to receive critical munitions and hurting battlefield effectiveness.

The Fast-Tracking European Investment in Ukraine's Defense Act would amend the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) to preauthorize the purchase and transfer of certain high-volume, low-tech munitions to Ukraine by NATO members and other countries until December 31, 2030, with the option of an extension through 2035. Munitions include:

• 155mm Artillery Shells
• 155mm Excalibur Extended Range Artillery Shells
• High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Munitions
• Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Munitions

The bill would also:

• Require the Government of Ukraine to provide a written guarantee that it will not transfer any such articles without receiving consent from the U.S.
• Maintain all current end-use monitoring and congressional oversight legal requirements.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.