US Senate Introduces Bill for Sanctions Against Russia, Originally Pushed by Late Senator Graham

A bipartisan group of 26 US senators has introduced a sanctions bill against Russia, which was developed with the involvement of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

If passed, the bill would impose 100% tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, primarily China and India. President Donald Trump stated the issue is under consideration and is meant to honor Graham's memory.

Senator Richard Blumenthal noted that Graham called from Kyiv before his death and said Trump would support the initiative to stop "feeding Putin's war machine."

In the summer of 2025, the Senate was close to approving sanctions, but Trump urged Republicans to postpone the vote so as not to hinder negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The revised bill reduces the tariff from the initially proposed 500% to 100%. The president may grant exemptions, but they require congressional approval.