The Pentagon released $400 million in military aid for Ukraine on Tuesday after facing criticism from Senator Mitch McConnell over delays in distributing the congressionally authorized funding.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the release during a Wednesday hearing, stating that the department recognized the funds were allocated for European capacity building and had been released as of Tuesday. Hegseth's announcement came in response to questioning about the delayed aid.

McConnell, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, had criticized the Pentagon for withholding the $400 million in military assistance that Congress had previously authorized for Ukraine. The Kentucky Republican targeted his criticism at the delay in releasing the funds.

The funding is part of ongoing U.S. military support for Ukraine amid the country's conflict with Russia. Congressional authorization for Ukraine aid has been a recurring legislative issue, with lawmakers from both parties debating the scope and timeline of assistance.

The release of the funds follows a pattern of congressional oversight of Pentagon spending on foreign military aid, with appropriations committee members regularly monitoring the distribution of authorized assistance.