Washington (US), 5 June (LaPresse/AP) – The US House of Representatives has approved, by 226 votes to 195, a bill providing aid to Ukraine and sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy, overcoming objections from those Republicans who had warned that the bill would jeopardise negotiations aimed at achieving a similar but more effective outcome. The bill, introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks, a Democrat from New York, aims to bolster US assistance to Ukraine, providing over $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid. It also provides for a further $8 billion in loans for Ukrainian defence. In essence, 18 Republicans, 207 Democrats and one independent voted in favour of the bill. Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar joined 194 other Republicans in voting against it. Supporters hope that the House of Representatives’ approval of the Ukraine bill will put pressure on the Senate to do the same. However, they also know that the Senate is unlikely to pass it unless Donald Trump gives his backing to the bill.