The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation providing fresh aid to Ukraine while imposing new sanctions on Russia, marking a rare break within the Republican Party over President Donald Trump’s foreign policy stance.
Lawmakers voted 226 to 195 in favour of the Ukraine Support Act on Thursday, after the measure was brought to the floor through a discharge petition following months of delay.
The vote saw 18 Republicans and one independent join Democrats in backing the bill, highlighting growing divisions within the party over continued support for Kyiv.
In a separate move a day earlier, a smaller group of Republicans had also joined Democrats to pass a resolution aimed at restricting U.S. military involvement in Iran without congressional approval.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant step reflecting continued bipartisan backing for Ukraine.
However, the legislation still faces an uncertain path, as it must pass the Senate where Republican leaders have resisted bringing similar sanctions bills to a vote, citing the need for guidance from the White House.
Even if approved by the Senate, the bill would likely face a veto from President Trump, under whose administration decisions on Russia sanctions have largely been centralised in the White House.
The Ukraine Support Act includes more than US$1 billion in aid and up to US$8 billion in loan-based assistance, alongside measures for post-war reconstruction support.
It also proposes sweeping sanctions and export restrictions targeting Russian financial institutions, energy and mining sectors, as well as senior officials.
The development comes as the European Union advances its own support package for Ukraine, including new accession talks and a multi-billion-euro financing arrangement to bolster the country’s economy and defence.
