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US House approves Ukraine aid and new Russia sanctions in rebuke to Trump
The vote comes amid continued fighting between Russia and Ukraine, with peace negotiations remaining stalled and both sides continuing missile and drone attacks.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation providing new aid to Ukraine and imposing tougher sanctions on Russia, in a move that highlights growing divisions within President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.
The Ukraine Support Act passed by a vote of 226 to 195, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats in support of the measure after lawmakers used a rare procedural move to force it onto the House floor.
The legislation authorizes more than $1 billion in assistance for Ukraine, along with up to $8 billion in direct loans to support the country’s defence and reconstruction efforts. It also includes new sanctions targeting Russia’s financial sector, energy industry, mining operations and government officials.
The vote comes amid continued fighting between Russia and Ukraine, with peace negotiations remaining stalled and both sides continuing missile and drone attacks.
Reuters reported that the bill represents the latest challenge to Trump’s influence within his party. It follows another recent vote in which a group of Republicans joined Democrats to support efforts aimed at limiting U.S. military involvement in the conflict with Iran without congressional approval.
Despite its passage in the House, the future of the Ukraine Support Act remains uncertain. The measure must still be approved by the Senate, where Republican leaders have so far declined to bring similar Russia sanctions legislation to a vote, saying they are awaiting guidance from the White House.
Even if it clears the Senate, the bill is expected to face a presidential veto.
Support for Ukraine has become increasingly divisive in Washington since Trump returned to office in January 2025. While many lawmakers from both parties continue to back Kyiv, some senior Republicans have adopted a more cautious approach toward further U.S. involvement.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, welcomed the House vote, calling it an important step that demonstrates continued bipartisan support for Ukraine.