Mike Johnson tells GOP senators he backs Ukraine aid, but only with southern border security funds

House Speaker Mike Johnson told Republican senators behind closed doors Wednesday that he supports more funding for Ukraine if it is connected with more robust southern border security and said aid for Israel should be separate, according to lawmakers in the room.

The meeting offered the Louisiana Republican his first opportunity to officially introduce himself to Senate Republicans amid party divisions over tying aid for Israel and Ukraine to a broader national security package.

Mr. Johnson emphasized the challenges with navigating divisions in his conference and doubled down on his position that a piecemeal strategy to President Biden’s requested Israel and Ukraine…