The Republican-led U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill on Friday, which proposes imposing sanctions on Russia. The initiative, championed by South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham before his passing last month, aims to exert economic pressure on Russia and contribute to ending the war that commenced in 2022 with President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The legislation, which passed with 86 votes to 11, outlines sanctions targeting senior Russian officials and introduces stricter measures against nations purchasing Russian oil and natural gas. A key provision grants the U.S. President the authority to impose tariffs on these importing countries, potentially reaching up to 100 percent for major buyers of Russian energy, including China and India.
Furthermore, the bill includes an extension of existing sanctions against Iran. Prior to his death, Senator Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and announced an agreement with the White House to support the measure. Following his death, his Senate colleagues indicated they would name the legislation in his honor.
While the bill must still secure approval from the House of Representatives before reaching the President, Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have expressed support. However, the measure faces some opposition in the House, particularly from Democrats who have voiced concerns regarding the new tariff powers granted to the President.
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