$15 billion military aid package and imposition of sanctions against Russia: Democrats are preparing support for Ukraine, - FT
The US Democratic Party plans to provide more active support for Ukraine. In particular, discussions are under way regarding a new military aid package worth around 15 billion dollars, as well as tougher sanctions against Russia.
This is reported by the Financial Times, according to Censor.NET, citing RBC-Ukraine.
Support for Ukraine
According to insiders, following their success in the US mid-term elections, the Democrats – who have gained control of both houses of Congress – plan to provide more active support for Ukraine.
At the same time, it is worth noting that despite the Democrats’ strengthened position in Congress, US foreign policy remains under the control of Donald Trump. Therefore, lawmakers plan to influence support for Kyiv through budgetary decisions and parliamentary oversight.
It is noted that one of the top priorities is to assist Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of the winter season. The Democrats want to include additional funding and other support measures in the annual US National Defence Authorization Act, which is due to be passed before the current Congress’s term ends.
Another key area of discussion is providing Ukraine with interceptor missiles for air defence, intelligence data and support for the Starlink satellite communications system.
Sanctions policy
In addition to military aid, the Democrats plan to push for a review of Washington’s sanctions policy towards Moscow.
The publication notes that the catalyst for this was Trump’s decision to use the exemption mechanism and ease additional restrictions against Russia against the backdrop of agreements allowing Russian diesel fuel to enter global markets. In this regard, lawmakers want to amend the current sanctions legislation.
"We will amend the Graham Act. It took a year and a half to try to impose sanctions on Russia, and then they simply scrapped the whole thing," said a Democratic representative.
Foreign policy and business interests
Party representatives also intend to scrutinise the Trump administration’s foreign policy decisions and the potential business interests of its officials. In particular, this concerns Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and the US President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
For their part, the White House has stated that Trump, Witkoff and Kushner are focused on ending the war in Ukraine and are committed to constructive cooperation with Congress.
However, the Democrats’ influence on decision-making remains limited. To override a presidential veto on legislative initiatives, they will need the support of some Republicans.
