Bipartisan senators introduce Russia sanctions and tariff bill Graham championed

A bipartisan coalition of senators has introduced legislation aimed at increasing financial pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026," championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, proposes sanctions on top Russian officials and significant tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil.

The bill targets Russia's energy sector, a key revenue source for its war effort, by imposing financial penalties on those purchasing Russian oil and natural gas. The White House has indicated its support for the measure. The bill's text was finalized before Graham's recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

“

Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham's fierce support for Ukraine's freedom.

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Katie Britt highlighted the bill as a fitting tribute to Graham's commitment to Ukraine's freedom. The legislation would mandate sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, his top deputies, Russian banks, energy companies, and foreign entities doing business with Russia. It also includes tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, with exemptions for countries buying less than 15% of Russia's total natural gas exports. The list of top purchasers will be reevaluated every 180 days to encourage a shift to alternative energy sources.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the bill had 26 cosponsors, with expectations of more. The legislation aims to increase financial pressure on Moscow to end its four-year war in Ukraine, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of lives lost.

“

Putin's war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey [Graham] believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career.