US House Passes Bill to Strengthen Sanctions Against Russia and Increase Military Aid to Ukraine

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at tightening sanctions against Russia and providing additional military support to Ukraine. In the Thursday vote, the bill was approved by 226 members, while 195 voted against it. The bill was introduced by Gregory Meeks, a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The legislation includes provisions to increase tariffs on Russian goods and services by at least 500 percent and to impose further restrictions on financial institutions. It also establishes a framework for regularly assessing the situation of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Under this framework, evaluations will determine whether Russia has complied with peace agreements and engaged in negotiations earnestly to achieve a peaceful resolution.

The bill allocates $300 million in military assistance to Ukraine for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Additionally, it imposes further sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, the oil and gas sector, as well as the coal and mining industries.