US House passes new Russia sanctions as explosions rock Kyiv

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a wide-ranging package of sanctions aimed at Russian officials and key pillars of the country's economy. Lawmakers said the goal is to cut off financial resources that President Vladimir Putin needs to continue the war against Ukraine.

The vote comes as the war in Ukraine continues, with US legislators seeking additional tools to pressure Moscow. The approved package includes restrictions on specific officials as well as broader sectors of the Russian economy, intended to limit the state's ability to fund military operations.

Explosions in Kyiv

Overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, residents of Kyiv reported hearing loud explosions across the city. Ukrainian authorities issued a missile attack alert, according to an AFP journalist present in the capital.

The two developments — the US legislative move against Russia and the renewed threat to Ukraine's capital — reflect the current state of the conflict, in which military confrontation continues alongside international economic and diplomatic pressure on Moscow. The source report did not provide further details on damage or possible casualties from the explosions.

News agencies continue to monitor developments in both Washington and Kyiv.