Washington - The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has voted unanimously for a bill envisaging the introduction of additional sanctions against the defense and energy sectors of the Russian economy, as well as an increase in military aid to Ukraine.
The Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 was introduced by Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Bob Corker (R-TN), the Voice of America radio station reported on Sept. 19.
As previously reported, the bill proposed applying sanctions against Rosoboronexport and other Russian defense firms that contribute to instability in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Syria; companies worldwide that make significant investments in particular unconventional Russian crude oil energy projects; and Gazprom, if the president determines that Gazprom is withholding significant natural gas supplies from member countries of NATO or further withholds such supplies from countries such as Ukraine, Georgia, or Moldova.
In addition, the document proposes providing military assistance to Ukraine, including the supply of anti-tank weapons, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles and communications equipment worth $350 million.
‘Russia’s invasion requires a firm and resolute response, and passing the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 demonstrates that unwavering and necessary resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine,’ the radio station quoted Menendez as saying.
