US House backs Russia sanctions, Ukraine aid, in latest blow to Trump

(Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday to provide aid to Ukraine and impose new sanctions on ​Russia, the latest sign that some Republicans are willing to defy party leaders and push back ‌against President Donald Trump.

The House voted 226 to 195 for the Ukraine Support Act, which reached the floor after languishing for months. A handful of Republicans joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition to force the vote.

On Thursday, 18 Republicans and one independent who normally votes ​with them joined Democrats to pass the bill. It was the latest sign of a crack in ​what had been virtually unanimous support among members of Trump's party for his policies.

Passage came ⁠a day after a smaller group of House Republicans joined Democrats to pass a resolution that would force the withdrawal ​of troops from hostilities with Iran unless Congress declares war or orders the use of military force.

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's ​ambassador to the United States, in a post on X called the decision 'an important step forward and (which) reflects continued bipartisan support for Ukraine'.