Live: US House passes bill in support of Ukraine, sanctions Russia
The US House backed a Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions bill, despite Republican objections. Zelensky also called for a face-to-face meeting with Putin and a full ceasefire.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
The liveblog centers on a sharp move by the US House to support Ukraine with aid and new sanctions on Russia, even as Republican leaders warned it could complicate negotiations. It also tracks Zelensky's push for direct talks with Putin and the war's latest battlefield and economic fallout.
The US House voted to help Ukraine with money and weapons support, and to punish Russia more. It is like a big school council voting to back one team in a long fight, while the fighting and talking still continue.
Analysis
US House breaks with Republican leaders
The House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday that would provide support for Ukraine and impose new sanctions on key parts of the Russian economy. The vote was 226-195, and it came over objections from Republican leaders who argued the bill could interfere with negotiations aimed at producing a better result.
The package, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks, would lock in more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid for Ukraine. It would also make another $8 billion available in loans for Ukraine's defence. France 24 describes the vote as a sign of growing impatience in Congress with President Donald Trump's approach to the war.
Diplomacy and battlefield pressure continue
The liveblog also reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin in an open letter and said he was ready for a "full ceasefire." At the same time, the war remained active on the ground: Russian drone strikes killed a man in Kherson and wounded several others, including children in Konotop.
On the Russian side, Putin said Moscow would strengthen its air defences after recent Ukrainian drone attacks reached deep into Russia. He also said Russia remained open to compromise on Ukraine, but only in line with understandings reached with Trump in Alaska, adding that Ukraine would need to accept them to end the conflict.
The broader picture in the liveblog is one of pressure on both capitals: Washington is tightening the political squeeze on Russia, Kyiv is pushing for talks, and both sides are still trading drone attacks and statements about conditions for peace.
Key points
- The US House passed a Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions bill by 226-195.
- The package would provide more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid and $8 billion in loans for Ukraine's defence.
- Republican leaders opposed the bill, saying it could interfere with negotiations.
- Zelensky called for a face-to-face meeting with Putin and said he was ready for a full ceasefire.
- The liveblog also reported fresh drone strikes in Ukraine and Putin's plan to strengthen Russian air defences.
If the bill advances, Ukraine could get more support for its defence and rebuilding, while new sanctions could increase pressure on Russia's economy. Zelensky's call for a face-to-face meeting and a full ceasefire also leaves a narrow opening for direct talks.
Republican resistance and Trump's approach could still slow or weaken the measure, limiting its impact. The live updates also show the war continuing with drone strikes, and Putin's conditions suggest that any peace deal remains distant.
