With elections approaching, US lawmakers are accelerating a $50 billion military aid package for Ukraine.

Sputnik - US lawmakers are trying to approve a new $50 billion (R$ 260,6 billion) military aid package for Ukraine before January, amid concerns that the upcoming midterm elections in November could usher in a new Congress less willing to support Kiev.

 According to NBC on Thursday (20), citing lawmakers and advisors familiar with the effort, US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy promised that if Republicans gain a majority in the lower house of Congress, Ukraine will not continue to receive a "blank check" on military assistance as it has been receiving until now, due to concerns about an impending recession in the United States.

 In response to McCarthy's warning, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is working to pass the multi-billion dollar military aid package, likely as part of a general spending bill, before a new Congress takes office in January.

Congress has approved approximately $70 billion (R$ 364,9 billion) in military aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia's special military operation on February 24. 

However, several Republican congressional candidates and current members of Congress have opposed the legislation to fund Ukraine, questioning the amount of foreign aid given by the Biden administration amid domestic economic concerns such as high gas prices and inflation.

 On Wednesday (19), former Vice President Mike Pence labeled Republicans who oppose further aid to Ukraine as alleged "Russian apologists".

 Conservatives should be defenders of freedom and make it clear that "Putin will pay," he said.

 Pence also predicted that Republicans will secure majorities in both the House and Senate during the midterm elections.

 Earlier this Thursday (20), President Joe Biden said he was "concerned" that a Republican-controlled Congress could compromise further US military assistance to Ukraine.