What does Preamble of Ukraine Support Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To authorize support for Ukraine, and for other purposes'. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 14, 2025.

What does AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE. of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section expresses Congress's findings regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. Congress highlights the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing attacks and atrocities. The text details alleged war crimes committed by Russia, including targeting civilian infrastructure, forced deportations of children, and destruction of agricultural and energy infrastructure. Congress notes that Russia has suffered significant military losses and that the war has destabilized global security. It expresses the sense of Congress that discussions about Ukraine's future must include Ukraine and condemns Russia's actions in the strongest terms. The section reaffirms the United States' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Congress urges the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and demands the safe return of kidnapped Ukrainian children. The text supports the prosecution of Russian leaders for war crimes and emphasizes that any sustainable peace deal must involve Ukraine and European allies.

What does REAFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF NATO. of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section reaffirms the importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to U.S. national security. Congress finds that NATO was founded to counter Soviet expansion and strengthen transatlantic security, based on democratic principles. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, the principle of collective defense, is considered a guiding value of U.S. foreign policy. The section highlights NATO's role in deterring adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran, and countering the proliferation of malign influence. Congress recognizes NATO's support for Ukraine, including military and non-security assistance. The section expresses support for NATO's open door policy and the right of sovereign states to determine their security arrangements. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by NATO coalition soldiers following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Congress urges NATO allies to dedicate at least 2 percent of their GDP to national defense or establish plans to meet this obligation. The section emphasizes the need for continued cooperation among NATO allies in advanced defense technologies, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity.

What does CONDEMNING THE KIDNAPPING OF UKRAINIAN CHILDREN. of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section expresses findings regarding the kidnapping of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation. It references the Genocide Convention and asserts that Russia's actions, including forcibly transferring children, may constitute acts of genocide. The text highlights numerous instances of Russian actions, including attacks on civilian infrastructure, the abduction and transfer of children, and the facilitation of illegal adoptions. Congress expresses the sense that Russia is deliberately attempting to erase Ukrainian identity by targeting a generation of Ukrainian children. The section notes increased risks to children due to human trafficking, exploitation, and other dangers resulting from the conflict. It assigns full responsibility for these actions to the Russian Federation under the leadership of Vladimir Putin.

What does SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE UNDER TITLE II OF THE BUILD ACT OF 2018. of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section amends Section 1412(c) of the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (BUILD Act). The amendment inserts 'in Ukraine and' after 'the provision of support under title II' in paragraph (1). Paragraph (2) is modified to include sub-items (i) and (ii) for the President and support, respectively. A new sub-paragraph (B) is added to paragraph (2) stating that subparagraph (A) does not apply with respect to Ukraine.

What does VESSEL WAR RISK INSURANCE. of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section modifies eligibility requirements for vessel war risk insurance under chapter 539 of title 46, United States Code. For a period of five years from the date of enactment, vessels engaged in waterborne commerce importing cargo to, or exporting cargo from, Ukraine are deemed eligible for insurance or reinsurance. Subparagraphs (B) through (D) of section 53903(a)(3) of title 46, United States Code, do not apply to cargo imported or exported to or from Ukraine. A 'covered vessel' is defined as a vessel owned by a citizen of a NATO member country, Ukraine, or another country determined eligible by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation. The term 'owned by a citizen' is defined based on how entities are deemed citizens of the United States under section 50501 of title 46, United States Code.

What does INSURANCE FOR UKRAINE INITIATIVE. of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section establishes the "Insurance for Ukraine Initiative" within the Department of State. The Initiative aims to bolster confidence in Ukraine's economic recovery through war risk insurance. It seeks to encourage investment in Ukraine's economic recovery by European allies and partners. The Initiative intends to promote economic integration between Ukraine and Europe and the United States. It will coordinate outreach with insurance companies regarding war risk insurance for Ukraine. The Initiative aims to facilitate the shipment of grain and food commodities from Ukraine. The Secretary of State must submit annual reports to congressional committees assessing progress and proposing legislative actions. The Secretary of State will provide diplomatic and political support to countries supporting war risk insurance for Ukraine.

What does CODIFICATION OF A SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINIAN of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section establishes a Special Coordinator for Ukrainian Reconstruction within the Department of State. The Special Coordinator will be selected by and report directly to the Secretary of State. The Special Coordinator must have private sector experience and knowledge of Ukraine and related foreign policy. The Special Coordinator's duties include assisting in utilizing U.S. government agencies to promote Ukraine's reconstruction. The Coordinator will coordinate cooperation among U.S. government agencies to aid Ukraine's recovery. The Coordinator will work with the United States Development Finance Corporation to mobilize private capital for Ukraine's reconstruction.

What does SUPPORT FOR RADIO FREE EUROPE. of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress that Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) should be restored to its full operational capacity. RFE/RL is recognized as a critical source of independent news, particularly in Ukraine and countries with restricted media freedom, and among audiences on the periphery of the Russian Federation. The text notes that the Russian Federation has systematically targeted RFE/RL reporters, impacting the organization's ability to report accurately. The section authorizes $250,000,000 for RFE/RL for fiscal year 2026. RFE/RL is authorized to explore opening new bureaus, particularly to reach audiences on the periphery of the Russian Federation. RFE/RL is encouraged to evaluate areas with pervasive Russian disinformation, develop communication strategies for Russian-speaking regions, and counter disinformation in real-time. The section directs RFE/RL to expand Russian language investigative journalism and improve the technical capacity of its Ukraine bureau. Within 90 days of enactment, the President must submit a report to congressional committees detailing recommendations for new bureau locations, staffing needs, and the impact of Russian Federation actions against RFE/RL.

What does AUTHORIZING PROGRAMS TO COUNTER AND COMBAT RUSSIAN of Ukraine Support Act do?

This section establishes the use of funds within the Countering Russian Influence Fund to assist Ukraine in detecting and combating disinformation from Russia. The Secretary of State is directed to prioritize assisting Ukraine in developing new defense strategies and technologies related to disinformation. Within 60 days of the Act's enactment, the Secretary of State must submit a plan to Congress for countering Russian disinformation and supporting free media in Ukraine. The plan must include strategies to help Ukraine combat Russian influence operations, improve media literacy, and detect content from Russian sources. The plan should also recommend increased support for independent media outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and those serving Russian-speaking populations in occupied regions of Ukraine. The strategy is to be submitted in unclassified form, with the possibility of a classified annex.