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US Congress passes Ukraine aid

The US Congress has passed legislation providing for $US1 billion in loan guarantees for Ukraine as well as sanctions against Russia.

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Source: AAP


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The US Congress has easily passed a US aid package for Ukraine that includes sanctions against Russia for annexing Crimea, in US lawmakers' first binding response to the crisis.

The House of Representatives voted 378 to 34 to approve the bill, which the Senate green-lighted last week, meaning the bill, including $US1 billion ($A1.08 billion) in loan guarantees to Ukraine, now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.

"The US House and Senate stand together in backing the Ukrainian people during this hour of need," House Speaker John Boehner said immediately after the vote on Tuesday, promising to monitor Obama's actions.

"We'll now continue our efforts to ensure he utilises every tool at his disposal - including re-evaluating security assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies and expanding America's vast energy supplies - to undermine Russia's stranglehold on Europe."

Obama welcomed the passage of a bill that will provide Ukraine with "essential steps to restore economic stability and return to growth and prosperity", White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

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The legislation provides for $US1 billion in loan guarantees for Ukraine as well as $US150 million for improved governance and enhanced security co-operation there.

It penalises individuals linked to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the deadly crackdown on protesters in Kiev by Ukraine's ousted pro-Russian regime, and gives Obama flexibility in imposing sanctions.


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