WASHINGTON -- After months of political drift, support for Ukraine appears to be regaining momentum in Washington, with lawmakers, administration officials, and Ukrainian diplomats pushing forward on multiple fronts.
At the center of the congressional push is the Ukraine Support Act, legislation that would authorize more than $1 billion in direct security assistance for Kyiv, provide another $8 billion in loans, tighten sanctions on Russia, and limit presidential authority to unilaterally lift existing sanctions.
The bill was stalled for months amid resistance from Republicans in the House of Representatives and uncertainty over President Donald Trump's approach toward Russia and Ukraine.
But on May 13, supporters managed to secure 218 signatures, enough to bypass House leadership and force the measure onto the House floor in the coming weeks. The bill is expected to be approved in the House although it appears likely to stall in the Senate.
'A Strong Message To Russia'
"This bipartisan legislation sends a strong message to Russia and President Trump, that the House supports Ukraine," Democrat Congressman Bill Keating of Massachusetts said. "Now we must go pass this bill on the floor."
The final signature came from California independent Representative Kevin Kiley, whose decision underscored growing concerns that diplomacy without pressure risks rewarding Moscow.
SEE ALSO:
US Lawmaker Wilson Flags Western Chips Still Flowing Into Russian, Iranian Drones"Recent Ukrainian gains have created an opportunity for peace, but the collapse of the recent cease-fire shows that leverage is needed for diplomacy to succeed," Kiley said in a statement.
Kiley also linked the measure to broader US security concerns in the Middle East, saying Congress must "send a strong message that Russian support for Iran's targeting of US military assets will not be tolerated."
The discharge petition was backed by 215 Democrats and two Republicans: Representatives Don Bacon of Nebraska and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.
For supporters, the effort represents an attempt to force lawmakers to publicly declare where they stand on Ukraine.
"Members of Congress, some tell me that they are supportive of Ukraine," said Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the bill's lead sponsor. "Well, we're going to finally get a vote on the floor to make that determination."
Meeks argued that a House vote could also pressure both the Senate and the White House to take a firmer position against Moscow. "We want to stand by our allies and not Vladimir Putin," he said.
Obstacles In The Senate
On the same day lawmakers secured enough signatures for the House vote, Russia launched one of its largest drone assaults of the war, firing roughly 800 drones across Ukraine in a daytime barrage that killed at least six civilians and wounded dozens, including children, according to Ukrainian officials.
For many supporters of the legislation, the latest Russian attacks reinforced arguments that Ukraine requires sustained military support.
SEE ALSO:
In The US War With Iran, Russia Is A Winner (Mostly)Shelby Magid, deputy director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, described Kiley's decision to sign the petition as "a significant breakthrough in congressional efforts to support Ukraine."
"Successful diplomacy requires more leverage," Magid told RFE/RL. "Putin has repeatedly undermined serious negotiations, escalated attacks on civilians, and demonstrated contempt not only for diplomatic efforts, but for the United States itself."
But there are many indications the bill may not advance in the Senate.
Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota expressed skepticism this week about quickly advancing additional Russia sanctions legislation, citing a crowded legislative calendar.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who has long advocated tougher measures against Moscow, said there were "parts of the House bill I like, parts of it that I don't."
US Senator Lindsey Graham (file photo)
Graham's own bill for massive US tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, gas, and uranium has languished in the Senate chamber for months.
Congressional frustration has also grown over delays in existing aid already approved for Ukraine. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the Pentagon for not yet spending roughly $400 million in military assistance allocated last year.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently told lawmakers the Pentagon was still developing a plan to use those funds.
Drone Cooperation
Even as debates over traditional military aid continue, another dimension of US-Ukraine cooperation has quietly gained momentum: drones.
Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado and Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky are pushing bipartisan language in the annual National Defense Authorization Act that would require the United States to develop a formal strategy for sharing drone and counter-drone expertise with Ukraine.
The proposal would direct the Pentagon and State Department to focus on "the rapid development, cost-effective production, and fielding of unmanned aerial systems," while integrating battlefield lessons from Ukraine's war against Russia.
SEE ALSO:
Everyone Wants Ukraine’s Drones. This German Joint Venture Is Trying To Get Ahead Of The CurveThe effort reflects growing recognition in Washington that Ukraine's wartime innovations -- particularly in low-cost drones and electronic warfare -- now offer valuable lessons for the US military itself.
Ukraine has transformed drone warfare during the conflict, using inexpensive first-person-view drones, maritime drones, and sophisticated strike systems to offset Russia's conventional military advantages.
One Ukrainian manufacturer reportedly plans to produce more than 3 million military drones in 2026 -- far exceeding projected US output.
A Defense Partnership
At the same time, Washington and Kyiv are quietly negotiating a broader defense technology agreement centered on drones and joint production.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the US State Department and Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna have drafted a framework memorandum allowing Ukraine to export military technology to the United States and establish joint drone manufacturing ventures with American companies.
The document is "currently being reviewed by both sides at different institutional levels," Stefanishyna told RFE/RL.
Ukrainian officials first pitched expanded drone cooperation to the White House in 2025 after Trump privately praised Operation Spiderweb, a Ukrainian operation in which remotely piloted explosive drones struck Russian aircraft deep inside Russian territory.
SEE ALSO:
Pentagon Faces 'Wake-Up Call' To Meet Drone Innovation Highlighted In Ukraine WarUkrainian companies have steadily expanded their international footprint. Kyiv has already signed defense cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, while Ukrainian officials say negotiations are ongoing with nearly 20 countries.
Ukrainian firms are already entering the US market. Earlier this year, Ukrainian drone manufacturer General Cherry signed a production agreement with American defense company Wilcox Industries to manufacture drones in the United States.
Ukraine has also been invited into the Pentagon's Drone Dominance initiative, a $1.1 billion program designed to accelerate drone procurement for the US military.
During the US-Israeli war with Iran, Ukrainian specialists have reportedly provided drone interceptors and technical expertise to help US regional partners defend against similar systems.
But political obstacles remain.
Trump has publicly downplayed the need for Ukrainian drone expertise, telling Fox News earlier this year: "We know more about drones than anybody."
Ukrainian officials have also remained cautious about loosening wartime export restrictions unless intellectual property protections and domestic supply guarantees are secured.