Key facts
- The U.S. Senate advanced legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia.
- The bill includes measures targeting Russian energy revenues and tariffs on countries reducing dependence on Russian oil and gas.
- The legislation is named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the Senate vote and met with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The U.S. Senate voted to advance legislation aimed at imposing new sanctions on Russia, including measures targeting its energy sector and imposing tariffs on countries that continue to rely on Russian oil and gas. The vote, which saw a large majority in favor with a tally of 86-12, occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Capitol to attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham and meet with President Donald Trump.
The bill, introduced on July 16, 2026, and named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, seeks to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine. It includes provisions for mandatory primary and secondary sanctions on Russia's political leadership, financial institutions, and energy sector, as well as on networks involved in sanctions evasion. A key component of the legislation authorizes tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from the world's largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, as well as on major facilitators of sanctions evasion.
Supporters believe the broad backing, with over 60 co-sponsors, provides a filibuster-proof majority. The legislation aims to honor Senator Graham's legacy and strengthen U.S. efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine by cutting off funding for Russia's war efforts. Zelenskyy thanked lawmakers for advancing the bill, stating it was an important signal to Europe and Ukraine.