US Senate advances new sanctions against Russia, signaling support for Ukraine

The U.S. Senate has signaled strong support for Ukraine by advancing legislation that introduces further sanctions against Russia. The bill, passed with an overwhelming 86 votes, is named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11.

Graham had reached an agreement with the White House on the bill's initiative just before his death, ending over a year of White House resistance. The legislation empowers the U.S. president to impose up to 100% tariffs on the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a co-author, clarified that the bill is carefully designed to target countries like China and India, rather than U.S. allies.

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It is not just about money, about how to end Russia's financing of this war, but it is also a strong signal to Europe, to Ukraine, it is big support for our nation.

Additionally, the bill targets Russia's "shadow fleet" and five nations actively assisting Russia in circumventing energy sanctions. It also includes provisions to expand sanctions against Iran, a measure previously advocated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The bill must now proceed through the Senate and then the House of Representatives, with the latter resuming its work in September after the summer recess.

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Your days of war are numbered. You are on the losing side. It is better to sit down at the negotiating table now than to sacrifice more human lives, waste more billions, ruin your own economy, and destroy Russia's position in the world. America stands with Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with senators on Capitol Hill shortly before the vote. He described the bill as a powerful signal and significant support for his nation. Zelenskyy also conveyed Ukraine's critical needs for anti-ballistic missile systems during his meetings with U.S. officials, including President Trump.

Following the vote, Senator Blumenthal conveyed a direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin: "Your days of war are numbered. You are on the losing side. It is better to sit down at the negotiating table now than to sacrifice more human lives, waste more billions, ruin your own economy, and destroy Russia's position in the world. America stands with Ukraine."

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It was carefully crafted so as not to hit our allies, but primarily China and India.