Ukraine war live updates: U.S. Senate to vote on foreign aid bill; Ukraine says Russia buying Starlink terminals through 'Arab countries'

U.S. Senators are expected to hold a final vote early Tuesday on a $95 billion aid package that would provide funds for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. While passage in the Democratic-led body is likely, the contentious bill will face a greater hurdle ahead in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday said the bill had failed to include provisions on U.S. border security, an issue Republican lawmakers have said is crucial to winning their support.

Ukraine’s main military intelligence agency stated on Tuesday that Russia was purchasing SpaceX-made Starlink terminals through “Arab countries.” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk responded to the agency’s prior claim, denying that any Starlinks have been sold to Russia.

The U.S. Senate is expected to hold a final vote on Tuesday on a $95 billion aid package that would provide funds for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, but its future remains uncertain amid intense lawmaker opposition. A procedural vote passed in the Senate late on Monday, advancing the bill to the final hurdle in the Democrat-controlled legislature, where it is expected to pass. The package must also be approved in the Republican-led House of Representatives, which appears less likely. The contentious security aid bill has been stuck in political limbo for months. Many lawmakers, including U.S. President Joe Biden, insist it is crucial to uphold U.S. international obligations and protect domestic security, with $61 billion designated for Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. The bill faces continued opposition from Republicans who have pushed for funding for domestic security on the southern border. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the bill for failing to meet those demands, stating that it should have included border security provisions. The Senate vote could be held as early as 7 a.m. EST on Tuesday.