Speaker Johnson Urges Newsmax to Support Ukraine with Supplies, Not Troops

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., informed Newsmax on Thursday that chamber Republicans have revamped the foreign aid supplemental bill to prioritize accountability and avoid sending American soldiers to Ukraine.

One significant change is that aid to Ukraine will be in the form of a loan rather than a simple grant, a strategy inspired by former President Donald Trump. The ultimate goal, according to Johnson, is to assist Ukraine in defending against Russian aggression until Trump is elected in November.

“I’d prefer to send ammunition to Ukraine rather than put American troops in harm’s way,” Johnson stated on “The Record With Greta Van Susteren.” “We want to avoid sending troops into the conflict.”

“I believe, Greta, that Donald Trump, when elected, can negotiate peace in that region. However, we must empower the Ukrainians to protect themselves until that time,” he added.

The $95.3 billion supplemental bill being crafted by Johnson and House Republicans is divided into four sections — Israel, Ukraine, Indo-Pacific, and a fourth section focusing on House “innovations,” Johnson explained.

“In this package, we have a fourth bill that includes several innovative measures, such as the REPO Act that utilizes assets seized from corrupt Russian oligarchs to support Ukraine’s opposition. This approach has received widespread support,” Johnson shared with Van Susteren. “President Trump is credited with introducing the loan concept, as you mentioned. Therefore, we have decided that any financial assistance provided to Ukraine will be in the form of a loan.”

“Additionally, we have included measures like increased sanctions against Iran and Russia. We are reevaluating the strategy to enhance oversight and accountability for these funds, which is what the American people deserve,” he added.

However, Johnson emphasized that the House must consolidate all four bills — or the passed ones, at least — before sending them back to the Senate.

“If we fail to consolidate them before sending them to the Senate, we will be playing right into the hands of the Democrats. I am confident that [Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer would promptly fund Ukraine and leave other priorities unaddressed,” Johnson said. “By merging them before sending them to the Senate, we ensure that the House leads with policy, not the other way around.”

One key component that Schumer may neglect if given the chance, according to Johnson, is the $26 billion allocated in the House bill for Israeli support and humanitarian aid to Gazans.

“The importance of this funding is widely recognized. Israel is fighting for its existence and is the only stable democracy in the Middle East,” Johnson asserted. “For those of us who have faith, standing with Israel is a biblical imperative. We stand with them, and they will prevail.”

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