LIVE UPDATES
Former US President Donald Trump has suggested that future aid to Ukraine could be provided in the form of repayable loans, as a proposed new assistance package for Kiev faces hurdles in Congress amidst a standoff over immigration and domestic border policies.
The impasse stems from a foreign aid package passed by senators on Tuesday, which linked enhanced policies on the US southern border to $60 billion in assistance for Ukraine, as well as allocations for Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Trump has urged his loyalists in the US legislature to oppose the bill, advocating instead for Republican lawmakers to hold out for what he termed a "perfect" immigration deal.
The proposal to condition aid for Ukraine on domestic policy matters underscores the complexities of US foreign aid negotiations and the intersection of international and domestic priorities.
As tensions persist over the allocation of foreign assistance and the prioritization of domestic issues, the fate of the aid package remains uncertain, with implications for US relations with Ukraine and its broader foreign policy agenda.
Trump's call for repayable loans as a potential alternative to traditional aid reflects ongoing debates over the efficacy and sustainability of international assistance programs, particularly in the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics and fiscal constraints.
Amidst the political wrangling in Washington, the fate of the aid package will likely shape US foreign policy priorities and influence diplomatic relations with key allies and partners around the world.
The standoff underscores the challenges of navigating partisan divides and reconciling competing interests in the formulation and implementation of US foreign policy initiatives.
