Republicans propose loans and seized assets for Ukraine aid package

Mike Johnson expressed hope that the package prepared by Republicans "will not alienate conservatives who oppose further funding for the war-torn country," as reported by NBC.

It's important to note that the Republican's plans for financial aid to Kyiv are still under development, but some key proposals have emerged. One suggestion is that economic aid for rebuilding Ukraine could partially take the form of a loan. Moreover, Russian assets seized as part of sanctions could serve as collateral for these loans, indicating that Russian assets would back loans to Ukrainians.

Offering loans as part of the aid package aims to alleviate concerns from conservative members of the House of Representatives. They have criticized the billion-dollar US aid to Ukraine and expressed unwillingness to continue funding without a strategic plan for victory in the war, as highlighted by NBC News.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul stated that this approach would make Russia partially responsible for funding Ukraine's reconstruction.

"We are looking at two factors. One is my bill, which would allow us to use seized Russian sovereign assets that have been sanctioned to help cover the costs of Russian war crimes. This idea has gained wide support in the House," explained Republican McCaul. "Additionally, we are considering a loan program. Ultimately, Russian state assets will either finance it or default on their obligations."

Debate over aid to Ukraine has persisted in American politics for several weeks. In mid-February, the Senate approved an aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan totaling $95 billion, which was then forwarded to the Republican-led House of Representatives for approval. However, Republicans in the House are not hurrying to pass the package.

An official from the National Security Council stated last December that failure to reach a congressional agreement would prevent further aid delivery without compromising the military readiness of the USA.