Republicans in US Senate to be led by pro-Ukrainian politician
South Dakota Senator John Thune, who has repeatedly expressed support for Ukraine, will become the new head of the Republicans in the US Senate.
As reported by BBC, Thune, 63, secured victory in the second round of elections for Senate Republican leader, receiving 29 votes, while Texas Senator John Cornyn received 24.
Florida Senator Rick Scott, a favourite among Donald Trump supporters, including former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson, was eliminated in the first round, receiving only 13 votes.
John Thune, who has served in the Senate since 2004, was until recently the deputy to Mitch McConnell, the outgoing Republican leader. Thune is regarded as an experienced legislator with a more centrist stance and maintains strong relations with most of his Republican colleagues in Congress.
The Senate Republican leader is already known to lead a majority of at least 52 lawmakers.
In his previous statements, Thune has been vocal in his support for Ukraine. In March, when discussions were underway to approve a multibillion-dollar aid package for Kyiv, he stressed that "America cannot retreat from the world stage".