New US Legislation to Support Ukraine
The US House of Representatives has introduced a new bill granting the president expanded powers to assist Ukraine through lend-lease.
The document H.R.1158 was initiated by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson.
Lend-Lease for Ukraine: A New Initiative in Congress
“The war criminal Putin understands only the language of strength. We must empower President Trump to rapidly and massively supply Ukraine with the weapons needed for victory in the war, forcing Russia to the negotiating table. Peace through strength,” Wilson stated.
The bill aims to “provide the President (of the USA) with expanded authority to enter into agreements with the government of Ukraine to provide that government with defense equipment on loan for the protection of civilians in Ukraine from Russian military aggression.”
The text of the bill has not yet been made public, and it is unclear what specific assistance it entails.
What is Lend-Lease for Ukraine?
The lend-lease law removes bureaucratic obstacles and enables the US government to quickly provide weapons and other logistical resources to Ukraine or Eastern European countries facing Russian invasion, for combat operations.
Just like during World War II, the recipient country will pay only for the equipment received under lend-lease that it chooses to keep after the war.
In January 2022, prior to the onset of the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine, Senator John Cornyn introduced a lend-lease bill for Ukraine, co-sponsored by Roger Wicker, Benjamin Cardin, and Jeanne Shaheen.
US House Passes Defense Budget for 2025
Recently, the lower chamber of the US Congress passed a defense policy bill for 2025 worth $883.7 billion.
The approved defense budget for 2025 does not include provisions for the possibility of lend-lease for Ukraine.
This year, no funds were allocated for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in the document, as funding for it for 2025 had already been “front-loaded” in last year’s law at $300 million.
