US Democrats plan $15 billion military aid package for Ukraine, FT reports
Media reports reveal Democrats' plans (photo: Getty Images)
The Democratic Party is actively discussing a new military aid package for Ukraine worth approximately $15 billion, as well as tougher sanctions against Russia, the Financial Times reports.
According to insiders, following their success in the US midterm elections, Democrats, who gained control of both chambers of Congress, plan to provide more active support to Ukraine.
It is important to understand that despite the Democrats' strengthened position in Congress, US foreign policy remains under Donald Trump's control. Therefore, lawmakers plan to influence support for Kyiv through budget decisions and congressional oversight.
Among the top priorities is assistance to Ukraine's energy sector ahead of winter. Democrats want to include additional funding and other support measures in the annual US defense policy bill, which is expected to be passed before the current Congress's term ends.
Another area under discussion is providing Ukraine with air defense interceptor missiles, intelligence data, and support for Starlink satellite communications.
In addition to military aid, Democrats plan to push for a review of Washington's sanctions policy toward Moscow.
According to the Financial Times, this was prompted by Trump's decision to use a waiver mechanism to ease additional restrictions on Russia amid agreements allowing Russian diesel fuel to enter global markets. In response, lawmakers want to amend existing sanctions legislation.
"We're going to fix the Graham bill. A year and a half was spent trying to get sanctions on Russia, and they were waived away," a Democratic representative said.
In addition, party representatives intend to scrutinize 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.
In response, the White House said 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 over decision-making remains limited. To override a presidential veto of legislative initiatives, they will need support from some Republicans.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for increased US assistance to Ukraine following the Democrats' victory.
Amid recent developments, the White House stated that Democrats would not be able to undo Trump's achievements.
