House of Representatives, strike against Trump with a law supporting Ukraine / Several Republicans decided to defy Trump
The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed legislation aimed at providing aid to Ukraine and imposing new sanctions on Russia, the latest sign that some Republicans are willing to defy party leadership and oppose President Donald Trump.
The House voted 226 to 195 in favor of the Ukraine Support Act, which reached the plenary after being delayed for months. Several Republicans joined Democrats in signing a petition to force the vote.
On Thursday, 18 Republicans and one independent who usually votes with them joined Democrats to pass the bill. It was the latest sign of a crack in what had been virtually unanimous support among members of Trump's party for his policies.
The legislation's passage came a day after a smaller group of House Republicans joined with Democrats to pass a resolution that would force the military to withdraw from the conflict with Iran unless Congress declares war or orders the use of military force.
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, called the decision, in a post on X, “an important step forward and (which) reflects continued bipartisan support for Ukraine.”
Uncertain future, however, for the bill
However, the future of the Ukraine Support Act is uncertain. To become law, it must be approved by the Senate, whose Republican leaders have blocked a vote on the Russia sanctions legislation, which enjoys broad bipartisan support, saying they would wait for Trump's instructions.
Trump will likely use his veto if the bill also passes the Senate.
Although many members of Congress in both parties strongly supported Ukraine in the early years after the full-scale Russian invasion was launched in February 2022, some of Trump's closest Republican allies — including the House and Senate leadership — have taken a more reserved stance toward Kiev since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
Also, since the beginning of his second term, President Trump has decided on sanctions at the level of the White House, not leaving it to the hands of Congress.
The Ukraine Support Act includes measures to help Ukraine rebuild after the war, authorizes more than $1 billion in aid to Kiev and up to $8 billion in direct loans.
It also imposes severe sanctions and controls on Russian exports, including financial institutions, the oil and mining sector, and several Russian officials.
