U.S. Senate advances sanctions bill targeting Russia previously backed by Sen. Graham

What This is

• The Senate voted 86-12 on a procedural step to advance a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill backed by more than 60 co-sponsors.
• The bill is designed to cut Russia’s energy income and widen presidential power to sanction Russian officials, institutions, and other entities linked to the war.
• One provision would let the president impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that keep buying Russian oil and gas, which could hit large buyers like India and China.
• Some versions described in coverage would also impose very high tariffs on imports from Russia, including oil and gas.
• The legislation targets Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of ships used to move oil and try to evade restrictions.
• The package is linked to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who had pushed for tougher action on Russia, and his funeral brought world leaders to Washington.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the Senate vote while in Washington and also met President Donald Trump to discuss air defense, Patriot interceptor production licenses, drones, and reviving peace talks.
• The bill still needs further Senate action, a House vote, and the president’s signature before it can become law.
• Some reporting says Trump wants Iran-related sanctions added to the same bill as the Russia measures.

Why This Matters

• Tariffs aimed at countries buying Russian energy could strain U.S. ties with major partners and reshape global trade flows.
• If sanctions squeeze Russia’s ability to sell oil, they could affect energy prices and shipping routes beyond the battlefield.
• Targeting the “shadow fleet” raises the cost of sanction evasion and could increase enforcement clashes at sea and in ports.
• Linking Russia and Iran measures in one vote could broaden support in Congress, but it may also complicate diplomacy and negotiations on both wars.