The US House of Representatives has passed a significant bill providing aid to Ukraine and imposing new sanctions on Russia, marking a pivotal moment in US foreign policy. The legislation includes $8 billion in defense loans, $1.8 billion in direct assistance, and targets Russia's oil and gas sector with measures like 500% tariffs. The 226-195 vote saw 18 Republicans breaking ranks with former President Donald Trump, reflecting growing bipartisan impatience with his approach to the Ukraine conflict.
The bill allocates $300 million in military aid for fiscal years 2026-2027 and establishes a Ukraine recovery fund. It renews presidential authority to transfer defense equipment to Ukraine and Eastern Europe. The aid aims to bolster Ukrainian forces in contested regions like Donetsk, where Russian strikes have intensified recently RIA Novosti+2.
Sponsored by Democrat Gregory Meeks, the bill faced strong Republican opposition, with critics arguing it could undermine diplomatic negotiations. The vote represents the second major foreign policy divergence from Trump within a week, following a war powers resolution on Iran. Ukrainian President Zelensky has welcomed the support while calling for renewed ceasefire talks with Russia The Independent+2.
New sanctions specifically target Russia's energy exports, a primary revenue source during wartime. The measures include asset freezes and trade restrictions designed to weaken Moscow's economic resilience. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its passage would represent a significant escalation in US economic pressure against Russia TASS+2.