The US House of Representatives has backed aid for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia
This is according to Reuters. According to the agency, the bill was backed by 226 members of the House of Representatives, with 195 voting against.
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to support Ukraine and tighten sanctions against Russia.
The bill was passed by 226 members of Congress, with 195 voting against. The Ukraine Support Act was brought to a vote after several months of delay.
Its progress became possible after a group of Republicans, together with Democrats, signed a petition to force the bill to a vote, bypassing the leadership of the House of Representatives.
What the bill provides for
The Ukraine Support Act provides for over $1 billion in aid for Ukraine and up to $8 billion in direct loans. The Associated Press specifies that this includes assistance in the areas of security and reconstruction, as well as additional defence loans for Kyiv.
The bill also contains provisions to tighten sanctions and export controls against Russia.
The restrictions are to apply, in particular, to Russian financial institutions, the oil and mining sectors, as well as Russian officials.
Who supported the bill
According to the AP, 207 Democrats, 18 Republicans and one independent congressman voted in favour of the bill.
Reuters notes that this was yet another sign: some Republicans are prepared to go against the party leadership’s position and President Donald Trump’s political line on Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
What happens next
Despite the vote in the House of Representatives, the bill’s future remains uncertain.
For the bill to come into force, it must be supported by the Senate. Reuters notes that the Republican leadership in the Senate has not previously put sanctions initiatives against Russia to a vote, awaiting political signals from Trump.
Even if the Senate approves the bill, it could face a presidential veto.
Why this is important for Ukraine
The vote in the House of Representatives showed that support for Ukraine remains in the US Congress, despite internal disputes between Democrats, Republicans and the White House.
The bill is important to Kyiv for two reasons: it provides for new funding and, at the same time, increases sanctions pressure on Russia.
However, until the bill has passed the Senate and been signed by the president, it is not law.
Follow us on Telegram
