**US Lawmakers Push for New Aid to Ukraine, Tougher Sanctions on Russia**
In a move aimed at pressuring the Trump administration to take a stronger stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Democrats in the US House of Representatives have introduced new legislation to boost support for the war-torn country. The bill, known as the Ukraine Support Act, comes just two weeks after Senate Republicans and Democrats introduced their own package that would sanction Russia if it refuses to engage in good-faith peace negotiations with Ukraine.
The House bill, filed by Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, includes significant financial and diplomatic measures to counter Russia’s aggression. The legislation provides funding for Ukraine’s security and reconstruction efforts, while also imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia targeting its financial sector, energy industry, mining industries, and key officials.
The bill has not yet been made public but is expected to influence the final Ukraine-related legislation that emerges from Congress. Congressional aides involved in drafting the House bill said they hope the measure will be part of the legislative conversation and ultimately shape US policy on Ukraine.
**Renewed Urgency**
Lawmakers’ push to advance Ukraine support legislation gained renewed urgency after Russia launched a missile strike on Sumy on April 14, killing 35 people and injuring 117 during Palm Sunday services. Moscow claimed it targeted Ukrainian military leadership, but the attack resulted in dozens of civilian casualties. The incident highlighted the ongoing violence and suffering in Ukraine.
**Key Provisions**
The House bill includes three main sections:
1. **Support for Ukraine**: The bill provides funding for Ukraine’s security and reconstruction efforts.
2. **Security Assistance**: The legislation includes provisions for security assistance such as direct loans and military financing.
3. **Harsh Sanctions on Russia**: The bill imposes harsh sanctions on Russia targeting its financial sector, energy industry, mining industries, and key officials.
**Trump’s Response**
US President Donald Trump has continued to blame both his predecessor and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for “allowing this travesty to begin.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that the war between Russia and Ukraine is Biden‘s war, not his. This latest move by US lawmakers is likely to put pressure on the administration to take a stronger stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
**What’s Next?**
The House bill will now be reviewed by Congress before any potential vote. The Senate package introduced earlier this month also needs to navigate the complex legislative process. While it remains unclear what final legislation will emerge from Congress, one thing is certain: the US government’s response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine will continue to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances on the ground.
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