Washington, DC: The US Senate on Friday overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan sanctions package aimed at tightening economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, advancing one of the toughest congressional efforts yet to curb Moscow’s revenue stream and bolster support for Kyiv.
The legislation cleared the Senate in an 86-11 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives, where lawmakers are expected to take it up after returning later this month. If approved, the measure will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
The bill seeks to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin by targeting countries that continue purchasing Russian oil, natural gas and other exports, to reduce the financial resources sustaining Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine.
The package also honors the legislative push led by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who spent more than a year working with lawmakers from both parties and the White House to finalize the proposal before his death last month.
Tariffs On Major Buyers Of Russian Energy
A key provision authorizes the U.S. president to impose tariffs on the world’s largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, including China and India. However, countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia—and actively reducing those imports—would qualify for exemptions.
The legislation further expands sanctions against Putin, senior Russian political and military officials, Russian financial institutions, and energy projects. It also targets older and reflagged oil tankers that Russia allegedly uses to bypass existing international sanctions.
At the same time, the bill gives the White House authority to waive sanctions if the president certifies to Congress that doing so is in the U.S. national interest.
Zelenskyy Thanks Senate
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the U.S. Capitol last week, where he met senators from both parties and thanked lawmakers for advancing the sanctions package.
During the closed-door meeting, Zelenskyy reportedly told senators that Ukraine has made battlefield gains but continues to require sustained U.S. support.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also welcomed the Senate vote, saying continued American backing brings the prospect of a lasting peace closer.
Bipartisan Support, But Concerns Over Tariff Powers
While the sanctions package drew overwhelming bipartisan backing, several Democrats and a handful of Republicans expressed concern over the expanded tariff authority granted to President Trump.
An amendment introduced by Republican Sen. Rand Paul and Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden that sought to remove the tariff provisions was defeated in a 64-32 vote.
Supporters of the amendment argued that broader tariff powers could increase costs for American consumers and expand presidential authority over trade policy.
Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., who had initially delayed the bill, said he backed the legislation after receiving written assurances from the Trump administration that tariffs would be lifted once countries stopped purchasing Russian energy or assisting sanctions evasion.
Pressure Builds On House
Despite the Senate’s decisive approval, the legislation faces additional scrutiny in the House.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he supports stronger action against Russia but argued that the bill gives President Trump excessive authority to use tariffs in ways that could harm American consumers without significantly increasing pressure on Moscow.
The House had previously approved separate legislation providing military assistance to Ukraine while imposing sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy. Lawmakers are expected to debate whether the Senate version should be modified before final passage.
If enacted, the measure would mark one of the most significant U.S. sanctions expansions against Russia since the war in Ukraine began, while also increasing pressure on countries that continue to maintain energy trade with Moscow.
