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

The Ukraine Support Act includes measures to help Ukraine rebuild after the war, authorizes more than $1 billion in assistance for Kyiv, and up to $8 billion in support via direct loans.

A view of the dome of the US Capitol building, during a vote in the US House of Representatives.

(photo credit: reuters/kent nishimura)

ByREUTERS

JUNE 5, 2026 05:50

The US House of Representatives approved legislation on Thursday to deliver aid to Ukraine and impose fresh sanctions on Russia. The action signals that some Republicans are prepared to challenge party leaders and resist US President Donald Trump.

The House passed the Ukraine Support Act by a 226 to 195 margin after the measure had stalled for months. A small number of Republicans joined Democrats in filing a discharge petition to bring the bill to a vote.

Eighteen Republicans and one independent who typically aligns with them joined Democrats on Thursday to approve the legislation. The vote underscored emerging divisions within Trump's party over his policy direction.

Passage followed a day after a smaller group of House Republicans joined Democrats to adopt a resolution requiring congressional approval for continued US involvement in hostilities with Iran.

The future of the Ukraine Support Act is uncertain

Nevertheless, the Ukraine Support Act faces an uncertain path forward. It must clear the Senate, where Republican leaders have blocked votes on Russia sanctions measures enjoying wide bipartisan backing while awaiting guidance from Trump.

Even if the Senate approves the bill, Trump would likely issue a veto.

Although lawmakers from both parties backed Ukraine strongly in the initial years after Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, some of Trump's closest Republican allies, including congressional leaders, have grown less supportive of Kyiv since his return to the White House in January 2025.

The president has retained control over sanctions decisions at the White House rather than deferring to Congress during his second term.

US assistance to the Kyiv government has declined sharply even as Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging missile, drone, and artillery strikes. Peace negotiations remain stalled, with Ukraine rejecting Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand to surrender territory defended since 2022.

The Ukraine Support Act includes measures to help Ukraine rebuild after the war, authorizes more than $1 billion in assistance for Kyiv, and up to $8 billion in support via direct loans.

It also imposes stiff sanctions and export controls on Russia, including on financial institutions, oil and mining sectors, and Russian officials.