The Senate took initial steps Tuesday toward passing a significant sanctions bill targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy present in the Capitol. The bipartisan procedural vote, which passed 86-12, occurred hours after a funeral for the bill's chief negotiator, the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Zelenskyy, in Washington for Graham's service, met with senators beforehand. He conveyed that Ukraine is making progress in its conflict with Russia but still requires substantial assistance from the United States. He later observed the Senate vote from the gallery, waving to the senators.
Senators reported that Zelenskyy described the sanctions legislation as "important as a moral signal to a country that is weary and tired, though holding its own and then some against Russia." The bill, a deal struck between Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., with the White House on July 10, is seen by supporters as a key part of the effort to hinder Russia's economy and push President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations.
Blumenthal noted that the bill's momentum is partly attributed to Ukraine's shifting tide in the war, the careful negotiation of the legislation, and a prevailing sentiment honoring Senator Graham's legacy. Zelenskyy's presence and the emotional impact of witnessing his reaction to the vote were also highlighted as contributing factors.
During his visit, Zelenskyy's message was described as "positive," with discussions focusing on Ukraine's advancements against Russia in various areas of the war. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., stated that the bill is a "keystone in that overall effort" to weaken the Russian economy and bring Putin to the negotiating table. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.V., relayed Zelenskyy's assertion that Ukraine is now in a winning phase of the war, moving beyond survival and consolidation.
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., indicated that Zelenskyy suggested that sanctions, by creating "more irritation," would prompt Putin to consider negotiating a settlement more seriously. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., added that the bill sends a "bipartisan message in a language he understands" and represents an opportunity to defend not only Ukraine but also Europe from Russian aggression.
The legislation, negotiated over more than a year by Graham, Blumenthal, and other Ukraine supporters, allows the president to impose tariffs on the top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, with China and India identified as primary targets. Exceptions are included for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia that are actively working to reduce these imports.
Additionally, the bill includes sanctions against Putin, senior Russian political and military figures, Russian financial institutions, and energy projects. It also aims to close loopholes by targeting older, reflagged oil tankers used by Russia to circumvent existing sanctions.
The bill incorporates presidential waiver authority, permitting the White House to waive sanctions under certain national interest conditions. However, some Democrats expressed skepticism regarding the extent of presidential power, particularly concerning tariffs. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., voiced concerns about granting President Trump significant new tariff authority, citing previous negative impacts of his tariff policies. Wyden indicated plans to propose amendments to address these tariff provisions during Senate debates.