Russia holds parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine in the war

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a comprehensive sanctions package against Russia on Friday, intended to penalize Moscow for its war against Ukraine. The legislation, a final act of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, passed with substantial bipartisan support, earning approval in both the Senate (86-11) and the House (262-159). The bill, co-authored by Senator Richard Blumenthal, aims to cripple Russian President Vladimir Putin's capacity to fund the ongoing conflict, which erupted in February 2022.

The measure sanctions Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers that the Kremlin employs to circumvent existing Western sanctions and maintain the flow of Russian energy. Senator Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline, expressed her brother's pride in the bill's passage and emphasized its potential to end the war by economically pressuring Putin. Blumenthal, a staunch supporter, reiterated his belief in the bill's significance, stating that Putin only understands force and strength.

The legislation also equips Trump with the authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five oil or natural gas importers of Russian products, with an exception for nations importing less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and taking significant steps to reduce those imports. Despite widespread support in Congress, the bill faced criticism from some Democratic lawmakers who advocated for a more aggressive stance against Russia but warned that Trump's expanded tariff powers could be used to levy additional tariffs on the European Union and other countries.

One notable concern raised by Democrats was the potential adverse economic impact on American citizens due to additional tariffs. Additionally, Graham's bill included his own request for a provision to extend sanctions on Iran for an additional five-year period, garnering further support from both parties.