US Senators Introduce Updated Sanctions Bill Against Russia in Honor of Lindsey Graham
US senators unveiled an updated sanctions bill against Russia on Tuesday, crafted by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly last Saturday. The bill mandates sanctions within 30 days targeting Russia's energy sector and those who help circumvent sanctions.
A bipartisan group of US senators introduced an updated version of a sanctions bill against Russia on Tuesday, designed as a tribute to the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The lead co-sponsor, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, emphasized the critical importance of the legislation during a press conference.
The bill aims to strike at Russia's oil and gas exports, which constitute the bulk of Kremlin revenues. Meanwhile, Ukraine has expanded long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities, deepening the economic crisis. Blumenthal stated that the sanctions would provide leverage for the US and Ukraine, hopefully in peace negotiations as well.
The bill has 26 initial co-sponsors, evenly split between parties, and is expected to gain at least 60, ensuring passage and a veto-proof majority. The earlier version from April 2025 was blocked by Senate Majority Leader John Thune at the White House's request during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Now, the White House has provided written support.
The new bill mandates sanctions within 30 days against Russia's political leadership, financial institutions, energy sector, and those who evade sanctions, with no conditions. It also imposes tariffs on countries that exceed 15% of Russian gas exports unless they reduce imports, and targets entities involved in the shadow fleet. The top five buyers of Russian crude oil are China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan; for natural gas, they are China, France, Japan, Hungary, and Belgium.
