US President Donald Trump speaks during in a 9/11 observance ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington, DC on September 11, 2025. The Pentagon asked the White House to approve the request and forward it to Congress for consideration. The proposed funding is nearly double the total amount approved for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, The Washington Post reported. US President Donald Trump confirmed the request on Thursday during a White House event, describing the conflict as highly unpredictable. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth did not directly confirm the $200 billion figure but underscored the need for increased military funding.

Source: Punch March 19, 2026 23:15 UTC