U.S. Senate Could Start Work on Russia Sanctions Legislation This Month, According to Leader

 

U.S. Senate Could Start Work on Russia Sanctions Legislation This Month, According to Leader The majority leader of the U.S. Senate, John Thune, announced Monday that the chamber is considering beginning work this month on a new bill targeting Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The proposed legislation aims to impose stringent sanctions on Russia and secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Moscow. Thune indicated that the White House is engaged in discussions with Senate leaders to coordinate this effort. The bill would include measures such as a 500% tariff on countries purchasing Russian energy exports—including oil, gas, and uranium—with China and India being significant buyers, accounting for around 70% of Russia’s energy trade. These revenues help fund Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

The legislation, led by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, has garnered substantial support, with at least 82 co-sponsors in the 100-member Senate. Graham recently stated in Kyiv that the bill might be taken up as soon as this week, although no specific timetable has been confirmed by Thune. The bill aims to apply "bone-breaking sanctions" if Russia does not engage in peace talks or if it attempts to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty after any ceasefire. Thune emphasized that Senate leadership is working closely with the White House to ensure that any legislative moves align with ongoing diplomatic negotiations. However, there is cautious skepticism that the House of Representatives, currently controlled by Republicans, will move quickly on the bill, as no immediate plans for a House vote have been announced. The legislation must pass both chambers and be signed by President Donald Trump, who has expressed concerns that additional sanctions could impede prospects for peace.

See also: Zelenskiy Announces Ukraine and Russia to Exchange Lists for Prisoner of War Swap