Democrats, who control both chambers of Congress after the midterm elections, are preparing a roughly $15 billion security aid package for Ukraine and new sanctions legislation targeting Russia before the current Congress ends.
The plan centers on the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which must pass before the current Congress’s term ends, according to pravda.com.ua and dialog.ua. A Democratic aide on the committee told the Financial Times that energy assistance “takes a really high place on our priority list.” Dialog.ua reported that Democrats are also weighing deliveries of Patriot missile interceptors, intelligence sharing, and continued support for Starlink satellite communications.
Zelenskyy Welcomes Signals From New Congress
I heard from new people who will enter Congress, and from Democratic Party representatives, that they remain on our side,” Zelenskyy told CNN on November 6, according to nv.ua. He added that they “are not trying to balance between us and Russia” and “are not afraid to call Russia an aggressor.”
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine has not received $16 billion in U.S. aid provided for under previous agreements, nv.ua reported.
Zelenskyy agreed with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha’s assessment of support prospects after the midterms, nv.ua reported, warning of a difficult period amid Russian attacks using Iranian drones, ballistic and cruise missiles.
BREAKING | 🇺🇸🇺🇦‼️‼️ US DEMOCRATS PREPARE A $15 BILLION MILITARY AID PACKAGE FOR UKRAINE AFTER A PROLONGED PAUSE! According to the Financial Times, Democratic lawmakers are working on a major new assistance package aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defenses against Russian attacks.… pic.twitter.com/9ulHuCi8WN
White House Responds to Sanctions Criticism
The sanctions fight stems from the Trump administration’s decision to use waiver mechanisms to ease restrictions on Russia amid deals to supply Russian diesel fuel to world markets, dialog.ua and rbc.ua reported. Democrats plan to amend the sanctions law named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham to limit the administration’s ability to soften penalties on Moscow.
Democrats plan to scrutinize special envoy Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, rbc.ua reported. The White House said they are focused on ending the war and committed to constructive cooperation with Congress.
Veto Math and the NDAA Deadline
Democrats cannot override a presidential veto without two-thirds majorities in both chambers, interfax reported. The effort faces headwinds as Republican senators who supported Ukraine — Tom Tillis, Mitch McConnell, and Susan Collins — are leaving the Senate, interfax noted.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has asked Elon Musk to preserve all documents related to slowing Starlink service in Ukraine, and Democrats are preparing inquiries to ports, banks, and other organizations involved in the Trump administration’s diesel fuel deal with Russia, interfax reported.
Questions on the Ukraine Aid Plan
How much aid are Democrats proposing for Ukraine?
Roughly $15 billion in security assistance, according to the Financial Times report published by pravda.com.ua. The funding would likely be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, which must pass before the current Congress ends.
What is the Graham bill Democrats want to change?
A sanctions law named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina that imposes financial penalties on Russia’s defense and energy sectors. Democrats say the administration used waivers to cancel sanctions that took 18 months to enact.
Can Democrats pass this without Republican support?
Not if President Trump vetoes it. Overriding a veto requires two-thirds votes in both the House and Senate, interfax reported.
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