The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has taken a significant step by approving three bills aimed at holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. This marks the first time in the current Congress that legislation targeting Russia has been considered, reflecting a commitment to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The bills were approved unanimously by voice vote on Wednesday.
One of the key measures proposes amendments to a 2024 law, allowing the president to transfer approximately $5 billion in frozen Russian assets under U.S. jurisdiction to aid Ukraine. Another measure seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and entities from China that provide support to Russia’s military. The third bill mandates the designation of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism unless it returns Ukrainian children who have been abducted during the conflict. The Ukrainian government estimates that nearly 20,000 children have been kidnapped since the war began.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the committee’s leading Democrat, expressed the importance of this legislative movement, stating, “It’s past time that Congress take action to rein in Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.” This approval demonstrates a continued bipartisan commitment to assist Ukraine, despite fluctuations in support over recent years.
Despite strong backing from Congress, former President Donald Trump has shown hesitance to fully support Ukraine. He has withheld new financial assistance and often echoed narratives that align with Russian interests. Observers are questioning whether Trump will attempt to obstruct the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s recent initiatives, similar to his previous actions against sanctions targeting Russian oil and gas.
Senator Thom Tillis, co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, noted the importance of consulting with the Trump administration regarding the asset transfer and the broader legislative measures. He emphasized that the committee’s action signals strong bipartisan support for a tougher stance against Russia, while also aiming to avoid undermining Trump’s diplomatic efforts.
The committee’s decision comes as Trump seeks to negotiate an end to the war that escalated with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Recently, he reversed a potential decision to send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine after a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has refrained from requesting funding for U.S. defense contractors to produce weapons for Ukraine, suggesting that European nations should bear the financial burden of support.
While the committee approved the Russia-related bills, uncertainty remains regarding their progression through the Senate and House. Last week, Trump influenced Senate Majority Leader John Thune to withdraw plans for a vote on a sanctions package proposed by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. The Graham-Blumenthal sanctions bill has faced delays, largely attributed to Trump’s opposition.
Furthermore, it is unclear whether Trump would implement a law allowing the repurposing of frozen Russian assets, as he has previously shown a tendency to disregard congressional directives. The president holds significant authority in foreign policy matters, complicating the potential for these measures to take effect.
In a related development, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the administration would soon announce a “substantial pickup in Russia sanctions,” though specific details have not yet been disclosed.
The legislative efforts to sanction Russia occur against the backdrop of a collective initiative by the Group of Seven (G7) nations, which previously pledged $50 billion in loans to Ukraine, to be repaid using funds from frozen Russian assets. The U.S. share of this total amounts to $20 billion. However, the Trump administration has reportedly expressed reluctance toward a European Union-led plan to expand the use of these frozen assets.
As the European Union convenes in Brussels, leaders are set to discuss proposals for a financial mechanism to manage approximately $163 billion in frozen Russian assets. Critics argue that seizing such assets could set a troubling precedent, raising legal and ethical concerns.
Senator Jim Risch, chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, defended the legislative actions, emphasizing the moral imperative to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from Russia’s aggression. “The sheer brutality of Russia against the citizens of Ukraine makes this legally and morally justified to rebuild Ukraine,” he stated.
The proposed bill to repurpose frozen Russian assets has garnered bipartisan support, including from Risch and Shaheen. It aims to amend the 2024 Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, allowing the U.S. president to transfer Russian sovereign assets without outright confiscation. Approximately $5 billion of the estimated $300 billion in frozen assets remains under U.S. jurisdiction.
The bill would obligate the Treasury Secretary to invest these funds in interest-bearing accounts while requiring a minimum allocation of $250 million for Ukraine every 90 days, contingent on available funds.
Meanwhile, the measure seeking to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress within 60 days of enactment on the status of Ukrainian children who have been abducted. Should the Secretary fail to certify that these children have been returned to their families, Russia would automatically be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The bill targeting Chinese support for Russia’s military would compel the president to impose sanctions on Chinese individuals and companies that knowingly assist Russia’s military efforts.
As the situation evolves, the actions taken by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee may shape the future of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the international response to Russia’s military aggression.