US senators advance bill to sanction Russia, Iran

United States senators have voted to move forward with a bill that would impose sanctions on Russia's government, its energy sector, and its so-called "shadow fleet." The procedural vote saw 86 senators in favor and 12 against, paving the way for the bill's final approval in the Senate later this week.

The legislation gained renewed urgency following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of Ukraine and an ally of former President Donald Trump. Senators have renamed the bill in his honor, seeking to advance it in his memory. Graham, a Republican senator, passed away suddenly two weeks prior at the age of 71.

The vote occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed senators at the Capitol and followed Graham's funeral. The bill aims to target Russia's government, energy industry, and its fleet of oil tankers operating outside international regulations. It also includes a last-minute addition to expand sanctions against Iran.

Graham, along with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, had been leading efforts to advance the bill since April of the previous year. The legislation encountered several obstacles, including opposition from the White House, which sought greater presidential authority in determining which individuals or organizations would be subject to sanctions. Just days before his death, Graham announced that the White House had agreed to a revised version of the bill, allowing it to proceed.