The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved a sweeping Russia sanctions package on Friday, voting 86-11 to advance legislation targeting Moscow’s energy revenues and military supply chains amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The bill, named the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” in honor of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, would impose up to 100% tariffs on major importers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India, while also sanctioning Russian leadership, financial institutions, and energy projects .
The legislation grants the president authority to waive sanctions if certified as in the national interest, following negotiations between the White House and bipartisan senators, including Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. It also includes provisions to sanction Iran and targets older, reflagged oil tankers used by Russia to evade existing restrictions . President Donald Trump has signaled support for the bill, which now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration when lawmakers return in September .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the Senate’s vote, stating on social media that “real, strong American pressure and sanctions against Russia are what will help the most” to end the war. He expressed gratitude to both political parties and the American people for their support . The bill’s passage follows Zelenskyy’s visit to Capitol Hill last week, where he met with senators and observed procedural votes from the gallery .
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., emphasized the urgency of the moment on the Senate floor, stating, “The momentum is on Ukraine’s side. Now is the time to put more pressure on Putin.” She warned that the situation could shift in Moscow’s favor within months, particularly with foreign support from countries like China . The bill also includes exceptions for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and taking steps to reduce dependence .
The Senate’s action comes as Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine, with reports of at least four civilian deaths, including a 3-year-old child, in the Kyiv region on Saturday. Ukrainian forces intercepted 135 of 151 drones launched by Russia overnight, according to military officials . Meanwhile, a drone exploded near the Transbalkan gas pipeline in Bulgaria, close to the Romanian border, though no casualties were reported .
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