Democrats mull Biden-style pivot on Ukraine – FT

The party is planning to spend more US taxpayer money propping up Kiev and tightening sanctions against Russia, the paper reports The Democratic Party is preparing a new $15 billion security assistance package for Ukraine alongside tougher sanctions against Russia, as they seek to challenge US President Donald Trump’s approach to the conflict in the aftermath of their midterms victory, the Financial Times reported on Saturday.The Democrats are seeking to revive Biden-era policies even before the new Congress convenes in January, with energy assistance being “really, really high on our list,” an unnamed aide told the newspaper.The party could reportedly seek to attach Ukraine-related provisions, including support for its energy infrastructure and air defenses, to the annual National Defense Authorization Act. However, any new legislation will be complicated by the Republicans retaining control of both chambers until January, and Trump’s potential veto of new bills afterwards. According to the paper, another major priority is tightening sanctions against Moscow, particularly by amending legislation championed by the late Republican Senator and anti-Russian hawk Lindsey Graham.Trump s...