Senate overwhelmingly passes Russia sanctions bill

The US Senate has approved a comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector, with the legislation now moving to the House of Representatives. The measure aims to choke off the energy income that funds Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. The bill imposes sanctions on officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the shadow fleet used to circumvent restrictions on Moscow's oil exports.

It also enables President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports, potentially targeting countries like China and India, which are major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.

The legislation was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died earlier this month after a year-long effort to build support for the bill. Senator Graham's sister, Darline Graham, emphasized that honoring her brother's memory includes promoting peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia's war machine. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen stated that the bill hits Russia's energy and financial sectors very hard, asserting that Vladimir Putin only responds to pressure.

She added that the legislation represents their best opportunity to weaken Russia's war machine and force Putin to the negotiating table.

Russia's embassy in the United States condemned the bill, claiming it does the current administration a disservice. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the bill's passage, stating it increases pressure on the aggressor to end the war in Ukraine. The bill seeks to restrict funding for Iran's energy and weapons sectors, as well as imposing a new round of sanctions by the European Union, focusing on freezing the oil price cap to prevent Russia from profiting from higher oil prices.

The EU's 21st package was approved after overcoming objections from member states over various proposed elements, except for a proposed sweeping visa ban, which was shelved.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the US Senate's adoption of the Graham Bill, emphasizing that together, hard-hitting, complementary sanctions can drain Russia's means to continue a war it cannot win. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk Region killed two people and injured six, with regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reporting nearly 50 attacks launched by Russian forces in the region.

Ukrainian President Zelensky began his first official visit to Serbia, aiming to discuss security with Serbia and pull them away from Russia's side. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, however, has remained steadfast in his refusal to sanction Moscow, citing Serbia's historical closeness to Russia and its stance against sanctions for nearly five years.