**US Senate Committee Approves $1 Billion for Ukraine, Despite Trump Administration’s Plans to Cut Funding**
In a surprise move, the US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a spending bill that includes $1 billion in support of Ukraine. This comes despite the Trump administration’s previous pledge to reduce funding allocated for military assistance to Ukraine in its upcoming defense budget.
The committee-approved bill includes $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, most of which is allocated in support of Ukraine. The total allocation is 2.6% more than what President Donald Trump previously requested. This move appears to paint a growing divide on lawmakers’ views of the war in Ukraine.
**A Shift in Policy?**
In recent weeks, President Trump has seemingly shifted his policy towards supporting Kyiv, amid mounting frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to implement a ceasefire in Ukraine. Senior American diplomat John Kelley told the UN Security Council that Trump wants a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8.
The proposed bill still needs to be voted on by both chambers of Congress and signed by the president. However, if passed, it would provide significant support for Ukraine as it continues to face Russian aggression.
**A Growing Divide?**
The committee-approved bill appears to highlight a growing divide among lawmakers on the issue of US support for Ukraine. While some, like Senator Mitch McConnell, believe that shutting off engagement with Ukraine would undermine the military’s efforts to prepare for the modern battlefield, others may still be influenced by the Trump administration’s previous plans to cut funding.
As Russia continues to increase the intensity of its attacks against Ukrainian cities, peace talks with Moscow continue to make no progress. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that there has been no progress in the talks, and tensions between the two nations remain high.
**A Bright Spot?**
In a separate development, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 25 that he had reached an agreement with President Donald Trump on the sale of Ukrainian drones to the United States. The deal is valued at upwards of $30 billion and could be seen as a positive step in strengthening ties between the two nations.
**What’s Next?**
The proposed bill still needs to be voted on by both chambers of Congress and signed by the president. It remains to be seen whether it will have enough support to pass into law, but for now, it seems that US lawmakers are committed to supporting Ukraine in its time of need.
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