The U.S. House of Representatives approved a package of sanctions against Russia and additional aid for Ukraine on Thursday. The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains unclear as lawmakers debate the scope and timing of the measures.
What the package includes
House members voted to impose new sanctions targeting Russian officials, energy exports, and financial institutions. The legislation also authorizes billions of dollars in military and economic assistance to Ukraine, which has been fighting a Russian invasion for over two years.
The White House backs the package, arguing it strengthens deterrence and supports Kyiv's battlefield needs. But the Senate has not scheduled a vote, and some senators have raised concerns about the cost and potential escalation with Moscow.
Senate divisions
While the House passed the bill with bipartisan support, the Senate is a different story. A handful of Republicans have called for more stringent border security measures to be attached, while some Democrats worry the sanctions could hurt European allies more than Russia.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not committed to bringing the package to the floor this month. without a clear path forward, the aid could stall for weeks.
The vote came as Ukrainian forces face ammunition shortages and Russian troops make slow gains in the east. Kyiv has repeatedly urged the U.S. to speed up deliveries of promised weapons.
What happens next
Senators are expected to begin negotiations behind closed doors next week. If no deal emerges, the House may be forced to revisit the legislation. For now, the ball is in the Senate's court, and Ukraine's leaders are watching closely.
