The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would provide new aid to Ukraine and impose additional sanctions on Russia, marking the latest instance of Republican lawmakers breaking ranks with President Donald Trump and party leaders.
The House voted 226 to 195 on Thursday in favour of the Ukraine Support Act, a measure that had been stalled for months before reaching the chamber floor. The vote was made possible after a small group of Republicans joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition, allowing the legislation to bypass leadership and proceed to a vote.
In the final tally, 18 Republicans and one independent who typically votes with the party joined Democrats in supporting the bill. The result highlighted growing divisions within the Republican Party over foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine.
The legislation authorises more than $1 billion in direct assistance to Kyiv, alongside up to $8 billion in support through loans. It also includes provisions to help rebuild Ukraine after the war.
The vote comes just one day after another group of House Republicans sided with Democrats to pass a resolution seeking to limit U.S. military involvement in hostilities with Iran unless Congress formally declares war or authorises the use of force.
Ukraine welcomed Thursday's decision. Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, described the vote as "an important step forward and (which) reflects continued bipartisan support for Ukraine" in a post on X.
Despite its passage in the House, the Ukraine Support Act faces an uncertain path forward.
The bill must still be approved by the Senate before it can become law. However, Republican leaders in the upper chamber have so far declined to bring Russia sanctions legislation to a vote, despite broad bipartisan backing, saying they would wait for guidance from President Trump.
Even if the measure were to clear the Senate, it would likely face a presidential veto.
Support for Ukraine was strong across both major parties during the early years of Russia's full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. However, attitudes among some senior Republicans have shifted since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
Several of the president's closest allies, including members of House and Senate leadership, have taken a more cautious approach towards Kyiv.
The Trump administration has also centralised decisions on sanctions policy within the White House, limiting Congress's role in shaping measures against Russia.
At the same time, U.S. assistance to Ukraine has slowed significantly. The reduction in support comes as Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to exchange missile, drone and artillery strikes, while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain deadlocked.
Ukraine has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand that it hand over territory that its forces have successfully defended since 2022, contributing to the continued stalemate in peace negotiations.
The Ukraine Support Act contains a range of measures aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position and supporting its long-term recovery.
The bill would introduce tougher sanctions and export controls targeting Russia's financial institutions, energy and mining sectors, as well as Russian officials.
The House vote comes during a week of broader international support for Ukraine. The European Union has agreed to begin discussions with Kyiv on the first cluster of issues in its accession process.
The move followed an agreement on the distribution of a €90 billion loan package intended to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities and support its economy.
While the House vote represents a significant political statement, the legislation's ultimate fate remains unclear as it heads towards a potentially difficult battle in the Senate and possible opposition from the White House.
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