Key facts
- A revised Russia sanctions bill has gained support from 61 U.S. senators.
- The bill aims to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian energy.
- It also targets countries involved in evading Russian oil sanctions.
- The legislation includes sanctions against Russian officials and financial institutions.
- The White House and President Donald Trump support the bill.
- The bill is intended to pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
A revised sanctions bill targeting Russia's revenue from oil and gas sales has garnered filibuster-proof support in the U.S. Senate, with at least 61 co-sponsors.
The legislation, introduced on July 16 and led by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Darline Graham, aims to deprive Moscow of funds for its war in Ukraine. The bill has secured backing from 39 Republicans and 22 Democrats, exceeding the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
This updated proposal emerged from negotiations between the White House and the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had reportedly secured the Trump administration's support shortly before his death. A U.S. official indicated that President Trump supports the bill as a tribute to Graham, a close ally.
Lawmakers are now focused on scheduling a vote on the bill. Supporters argue it will provide the Trump administration with additional leverage to push for meaningful peace negotiations. Senator Darline Graham stated that passing the legislation would honor her brother's commitment to national security and provide President Trump with leverage.
Unlike the original proposal, which suggested a 500% tariff on countries buying Russian energy, the revised bill proposes tariffs of up to 100% on the world's five largest purchasers of Russian energy. The same maximum tariff would apply to the five countries most involved in facilitating Russian oil sanctions evasion. The list of top purchasers would be reviewed every 180 days, with exemptions for countries importing less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and actively reducing those imports.
Currently, China, India, and Turkey are the largest buyers of Russian oil, while the EU, China, and Turkey are leading importers of Russian natural gas. Beyond tariffs, the bill mandates sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior Russian officials, and major financial institutions like the Central Bank, Sberbank, and Gazprombank. It also targets Russian state-owned companies, foreign entities supporting Russia's defense industry, and major energy projects, including measures against Russia's shadow fleet and China's support for Russia's defense industry.
Senator Blumenthal remarked that the bill would be "historically impactful in stopping Russia's murderous slaughter" as Ukraine gains ground on the battlefield.