U.S Senate Republicans have blocked a move to pass an aid bill for Ukraine after failing to secure border compromises they sought in exchange.
The vote throws uncertainty into the future of aid for Ukraine and sends lawmakers back to the negotiating table with just days to go until Congress has scheduled winter break with Republicans insisting that any aid to Ukraine be tied to sweeping US immigration and asylum reforms.
Earlier on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden said he was “willing to make significant compromises on the border” in order to get the aid bill passed, adding that Republicans in Congress are willing to give Putin the greatest gift he could hope for.
The $110 billion package included $61billion for Ukraine, as well as funds for Israel and aid for Gaza, with Republican members generally in favour of aid to Ukraine, some have sought to use the issue as a way address mounting domestic concerns over the U.S southern border.
Senators including every single Republican voted 51 to 49 against advancing the bill, with 60 votes needed.
