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The president has repeatedly argued that the war has dragged on for far too long and has urged both sides to find common ground. When reporters later pressed him on what concessions should be made, Trump made it clear that neither side would get everything it wants.
“They’re going to both make compromises,” Trump said.
He added, “I’ve been very strong on the fact that they’ve got to get that over with. I want them each to make certain compromises. I think they’re going to do that.”
While Trump has been emphasizing diplomacy, a coalition of lawmakers moved in a very different direction.
WATCH:
The legislation approved Thursday dramatically increases pressure on Russia through a broad package of sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy. The measure places new restrictions on Russian financial institutions, energy companies, and mining operations. It also prohibits Russian oil imports and imposes massive tariffs on other Russian goods entering the United States.
In addition to the sanctions package, the bill revives and expands military support mechanisms for Ukraine. Lawmakers authorized an $8 billion extension of the lend-lease authority originally created under the Biden administration, allowing Ukraine to continue acquiring military equipment and weapons.
The package also includes another $1 billion earmarked for Ukrainian security efforts and reconstruction projects.
Perhaps most notable was how the bill reached the House floor in the first place.
Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly urged Republican lawmakers to reject the measure and allow the president additional time to pursue diplomatic options. According to reports, Johnson argued during a private meeting that Congress should avoid undermining Trump’s negotiations with Russia.
Despite those warnings, enough lawmakers broke ranks to force a vote.
WATCH:
The effort was spearheaded by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, one of the most vocal Republican supporters of Ukraine aid. Fitzpatrick worked alongside Democratic Rep. Greg Meeks of New York to gather signatures for a discharge petition, a rarely used procedural maneuver that allows lawmakers to bypass House leadership and force legislation onto the floor.
The final signature reportedly came from California Rep. Kevin Kiley, whose support helped push the effort over the threshold needed to trigger a vote.
The successful discharge petition represented a significant rebellion against Republican leadership and highlighted the deepening split within the GOP over America’s role in the Ukraine conflict.
For many conservatives, the vote raises serious questions about whether certain Republican lawmakers are aligned with Trump’s America First agenda. Supporters of the legislation argue the United States must continue supporting Ukraine and increasing economic pressure on Russia. Critics counter that Washington should be focused on ending the war rather than approving additional foreign aid packages and escalating sanctions.
As Trump continues pushing for direct negotiations between Putin and Zelensky, Thursday’s vote demonstrates that many in Congress remain committed to a far different strategy.
The result is yet another high-profile clash between Trump’s diplomatic approach and members of his own party who believe the United States should maintain a more aggressive posture toward Russia and continue funding Ukraine’s war effort.
