US House backs Russia sanctions, Ukraine aid, in latest blow to Trump

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday aimed at providing additional aid to Ukraine and imposing new sanctions on Russia, marking a significant moment of division within the Republican Party and renewed tension with President Donald Trump.

Lawmakers approved the Ukraine Support Act by a vote of 226 to 195 after months of delay before it reached the floor. The measure advanced after several Republicans joined Democrats in a discharge petition, allowing the bill to proceed to a vote despite resistance from party leadership.

Eighteen Republicans and one independent who typically votes with them sided with Democrats in supporting the legislation. The outcome highlighted growing fractures within Republican ranks over U.S. foreign policy direction and continued assistance to Kyiv.

The vote followed another contentious decision a day earlier, when a group of House Republicans joined Democrats in backing a resolution seeking to limit U.S. military involvement with Iran unless Congress formally authorizes the use of force.

Despite passing the House, the future of the Ukraine Support Act remains uncertain. The measure must still be approved by the United States Senate before becoming law. Senate Republican leaders have not scheduled a vote on Russia sanctions legislation that has previously drawn bipartisan support, saying they are awaiting guidance from President Trump.

Even if the bill clears the Senate, it is expected to face a veto from the president.

Support for Ukraine was once broadly bipartisan following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, since Trump returned to office in January 2025, some Republican leaders have taken a more cautious approach toward continued military and financial assistance to Kyiv.

The administration has also centralized decisions on sanctions within the White House, limiting congressional influence over Russia-related policy.

Meanwhile, U.S. assistance to Ukraine has slowed in recent months as the conflict with Russia continues, with both sides exchanging missile, drone, and artillery strikes. Diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement remain stalled, as Ukraine rejects demands from Russian President Vladimir Putin for territorial concessions.

The Ukraine Support Act includes provisions to support postwar reconstruction in Ukraine, authorizes more than $1 billion in direct assistance to Kyiv, and provides up to $8 billion in additional support through loan mechanisms. It also expands sanctions and export controls targeting Russian financial institutions, energy and mining sectors, and designated officials. -Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Nia Williams and Ross Colvin/Reuters