A deepening divide within the Republican Party over military support for Ukraine has escalated into an all-out clash, just days ahead of an extraordinary vote on a foreign aid package in Congress. The divisions, which have been simmering for some time, now threaten to create lasting rifts within the party, regardless of the outcome of the vote.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has found himself at the center of this internal strife. Last week, he made the decision to finally bring the $95 billion foreign aid program to a vote, after months of hesitation. The aid package, passed by the Senate in February, includes approximately $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and smaller amounts for Taiwan and other Pacific allies.

Johnson's decision to move forward with the vote marked a symbolic break with the far-right faction of the GOP, who were instrumental in propelling him into the speaker's position. This faction, known for their close alignment with former President Donald Trump and his affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has openly opposed supporting Ukraine.

In defending his decision, Johnson emphasized the importance of providing aid to Ukraine and the need to do the right thing, despite the risks he may face from his opponents within the party. He expressed his belief that Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iran are part of an "axis of evil" and warned of the potential for Putin to continue expanding his influence in Europe.

Unsurprisingly, Johnson's stance faced fierce backlash from within his own party. Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene swiftly moved to demand Johnson's removal and referred to the aid package as a "sham". She further accused Ukraine of waging a war against Christianity, a claim that is unsubstantiated.

While Taylor Greene's efforts to oust Johnson gained some support, including from Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie, others within the Republican Party have not yet made moves to topple the speaker. This hesitation could be attributed to Trump's endorsement of Johnson, as well as the support of the Republican chairmen of key House committees, who recognize the urgency of Ukraine's situation.

To address internal opposition, Johnson has divided the aid package into four separate bills, to be voted on individually. This approach aims to allow Republicans to vote against specific components they disagree with, such as supporting Ukraine, while still backing other parts that are more aligned with their views, like aid to Israel.

Despite the narrow majority held by Republicans in the House, Democrats, who largely support funding Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, have pledged their support for Johnson's bills. If passed, this could finally provide Ukraine with the much-needed assistance it has long sought, including approximately $61 billion in aid, which includes replenishing weapons stocks previously provided by the US, as well as $10 billion in economic funds in the form of a loan.

Although Saturday's vote may temporarily resolve the Ukraine issue, tensions within the Republican Party are expected to persist. Experts predict that the ongoing internal division, coupled with the small majority held by Republicans in the House, will likely lead to continued turbulence in the future.

As the GOP grapples with its internal conflicts and fractures, the Democratic Party sees an opportunity to highlight their unity and seize political advantages. Democratic congressman Jared Moskowitz of Florida, for instance, proposed renaming Marjorie Taylor Greene's office in the Cannon Building to the "Neville Chamberlain room," in reference to the infamous British prime minister known for appeasing Hitler. He also jokingly suggested appointing her as "Vladimir Putin's special envoy to the US".

The outcome of Saturday's vote will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of the Republican Party, but the underlying divisions are likely to persist, potentially leading to further struggles as new challenges arise.