Senate Majority Leader Thune Advances Ukraine Aid and Russia Sanctions Bill

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) on Thursday initiated procedural steps to place on the Senate calendar a House-passed bill that would provide $1.3 billion in security assistance for Ukraine and expand sanctions on Russia. The legislation previously passed the House last month with a vote of 226-195, overcoming opposition from House GOP leaders. The move signals continued bipartisan support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia, though the bill faces an uncertain path in the Senate. The measure includes funding for weapons, equipment, and training for Ukrainian forces, as well as new sanctions targeting Russian energy, banking, and defense sectors. Eighteen House Republicans crossed party lines to support the bill.