Republicans and the Democrats are now on the same page in terms of pushing U.S. President Barack Obama to sign the legislation that would impose new sanctions over Russia for providing weapons and assistance to pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

This legislation has been passed on Saturday but the White House remains uncertain if Obama will be sign it or not. The officials under the Obama administration explained that the president is still evaluating the legislation as it would be targeting the energy and defense industries of Russia.

Like Us on Facebook

Republicans House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio has then issued a statement saying if the law will be passed, it will show a strong moral commitment to the cause of the Ukrainian people. He added that Obama should sign it as soon as possible.

Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey and the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee said that lawmakers should work together in solidarity with the Ukrainian government and its people against the violent actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The said legislation would require Obama to impose penalties on state-owned dealers of arms such as Rosoboronexport and other Russian defense companies that has supplied the weapons used in the unrest in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Syria. The individuals and entities that have helped the companies will be sanctioned as well.

The legislation will also give Obama the authority to provide either a lethal or a non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine. In addition, the bill will authorize US$350 million to be given to Ukraine to cover any cost regarding the assistance extended to the said country.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko have spoken on Monday via phone and Biden reportedly assured Ukraine of the economic commitment of the U.S. to their country. 

TagsRussia sanctions, Ukraine unrest, Obama, Democrats, GOP, Republicans, legislation