Democrats in the US Congress plan to prepare a new package of military aid for Ukraine worth around $15bn. To do so, they intend to use their powers over government spending and parliamentary oversight.
This is reported by the Financial Times.
According to a Democratic aide on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the security assistance package could total around $15bn. The Democrats’ victory in the midterm elections came as Ukraine prepares for a difficult winter. Therefore, one of the Democrats’ priorities in the period before the new Congress begins work in January will be additional support for Ukraine’s energy sector.
Lawmakers are also considering including measures to support Ukraine in the annual US defence policy bill (NDAA), which must be passed before the current Congress concludes its work.
Among the Democrats’ other priorities, the publication cites tougher sanctions against Russia, support for Ukrainian intelligence, the supply of interceptor missiles, and oversight of the Starlink satellite network that Ukraine uses for defence.
In particular, Democrats plan to review sanctions legislation known as the Graham bill. It предусматривает financial restrictions against Russia’s defence and energy sectors. At the same time, last month US President Donald Trump used broad powers to suspend further sanctions against Moscow.
To Continue Supporting Ukraine, Democrats Will Have to Find Allies Among Republicans, FT Says
In the new Congress, Democrats also intend to step up oversight of the Trump administration’s foreign policy and investigate the business interests of members of his family and representatives involved in negotiations on Ukraine and Iran.
At the same time, FT sources note that without the support of some Republicans, Democrats will not have enough votes to override a presidential veto. Therefore, to continue supporting Ukraine, they will have to seek new allies among Republicans.
- In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he expects stronger US support after the Democrats’ victory in the US congressional midterm elections.
- The President of Ukraine stressed the importance of restoring ties between Washington and European allies and suggested that increased military and financial aid to Ukraine could prompt Vladimir Putin to reconsider continuing the war.