The Republican-controlled United States Senate has approved a bipartisan bill that provides for new sanctions against Russia and punitive measures for countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas.
The initiative, strongly supported by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham before his death last month at the age of 71, was approved on Friday by 86 votes to 11.
The bill aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow and push for an end to the war in Ukraine. The measures include sanctions on senior Russian officials, while giving US President Donald Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that buy energy from Russia, particularly targeting major importers such as China and India. The package also includes extending some sanctions on Iran.
Before his death, Graham had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and said he had secured White House support for the bill. After his death, colleagues in the Senate proposed that the legislation be named after him in honor of his role in drafting and promoting the initiative.
The bill must now pass the House of Representatives before being sent to President Trump for signature. The White House chief of staff has signaled his support for the measures, while House Speaker Mike Johnson has also expressed support for the initiative.
However, approval in the House of Representatives could face obstacles, as some Democrats have expressed concerns about the new powers the bill gives the US president to impose tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy.
