In the United States Congress, representatives from the Democratic Party have introduced a new bill aimed at strengthening support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and implementing strict sanctions against Moscow.

Source: Reuters referencing a draft that has not yet been publicly released.

Details: Congressman Greg Meeks, a leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has presented a proposal that includes multi-tiered assistance for Ukraine — ranging from security funding to post-war recovery programs, alongside enhanced sanctions against Russia.

According to the draft, the first section reaffirms support for Ukraine and NATO, and proposes the creation of a special coordinator position for Ukraine's recovery. The second section pertains to security assistance, including direct loans and military funding. The third section discusses stringent sanctions and export controls targeting Russian banks, the energy sector, and government officials.

According to informed sources, this represents yet another attempt to pressure President Donald Trump's administration to take a more definitive stance in favor of Kyiv.

Quote: "Such actions in Congress reflect the growing concern among lawmakers from both parties about Ukraine's fate, as Republican President Donald Trump has taken a more conciliatory position towards Moscow since the beginning of his second term on January 20th."

Additional details: According to aides of the congressmen involved in crafting the text, even if the bill does not receive full support in the House of Representatives, its key provisions could be included in a broader package addressing Ukraine.

Quote: "This bill will certainly become part of a wider legislative discussion," noted one of the co-authors.

Quote: "Despite maintaining bipartisan support for Ukraine over three years of full-scale war, more and more of Trump's allies among Republicans are expressing a more cautious position regarding assistance to Kyiv, especially after their party took control of the House of Representatives, and starting January 2025, the White House and Senate as well."

Background:

• At the beginning of April, a bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate regarding new sanctions against Russia for its refusal to engage in peace talks, including a 500% tariff on goods from countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
• On April 14, President Donald Trump placed part of the blame for the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine not only on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin but also on his predecessor Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• In commenting on Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to purchase American Patriot missile defense systems to protect Ukraine's skies, Trump stated, "You cannot start a war against someone who is 20 times stronger than you and then expect that people will give you missiles."