US House passes sanctions on Russia as explosions heard in Kyiv

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a sweeping sanctions package on Wednesday aimed at Russian officials and major sectors of the Russian economy, a move intended to cut off financial resources that President Vladimir Putin relies on to sustain the war in Ukraine. The legislation targets individuals linked to the Kremlin, as well as entities involved in energy, finance and defense, signaling a coordinated effort by lawmakers to intensify economic pressure on Moscow.

In Kyiv, loud explosions reverberated overnight into Thursday, prompting authorities to issue a missile alert, according to an AFP journalist on the ground. The incident underscores the ongoing security threats faced by Ukraine even as international partners tighten sanctions on Russia. The developments were tracked in a liveblog that provided real‑time updates on the situation.