Senate Advances Sweeping New Russia Sanctions Bill

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia for its ongoing aggression. The proposed legislation, backed by at least 82 co-sponsors, would impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium, and restrict U.S. citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign debt. Lawmakers in both chambers are preparing to advance the bill, though some await a decision from President Trump, who has condemned recent Russian attacks but remains undecided on immediate sanctions. Zelenskyy and the senators asserted that Russia is using peace talks to stall while continuing its military campaign. Graham indicated the Senate may begin moving the bill next week, with the House expected to follow. The senators warned that inaction could embolden further Russian aggression and reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine.