„Putin den Geldhahn abdrehen“: US-Senat billigt Gesetz zu neuen Russland-Sanktionen

The US Senate has approved a new law imposing stricter sanctions on Russia in response to its relentless military aggression against Ukraine. The 86-11 vote, primarily driven by late US Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to pressure Moscow further due to the devastating attack campaign. However, the fate of the bill in the House of Representatives remains uncertain, as it is unlikely to be voted on before September.

The US government has previously imposed temporary sanctions on Russian oil shipments to counter price surges in global markets, triggered by the disruption of the Hormuz Strait following the Iran conflict.

The Russian military conducted a fresh wave of nighttime attacks on Kiev and other Ukrainian cities, employing drones, glide bombs, and ballistic missiles, which are challenging to counter due to the lack of ammunition for Patriot missile defense systems. US President Donald Trump, accused of not applying sufficient pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, has hinted at support for the legislation, which would authorize him to impose 100% tariffs on China and India, the top buyers of Russian energy resources. This could strain US trade relations with China and India, major importers of Russian oil.

The law targets the five largest importers of Russian energy exports within 12 months of enactment, with the option to adjust the sanctions' severity based on each country's efforts to reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas. An exception applies to countries whose imports account for less than 15% of Russia's gas exports in a 12-month period, provided they take measures to reduce those purchases.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj thanked the Senate for its support, emphasizing that strong US pressure and sanctions against Russia are crucial for ending the war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha hailed the law as a "striking proof of the United States' global leadership."