Zelenskyy thanked the US Senate for approving hellish sanctions against Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. Senate for supporting the bill on new sanctions against Russia and Iran. He stated that strong economic pressure on Moscow is what can help bring the war to a quicker end.
Zelenskyy also emphasized that Ukraine is in particular need of U.S. support right now, specifically air defense systems and missiles for the Patriot systems.
The President of Ukraine welcomed the U.S. Senate’s decision to support the sanctions bill, which was drafted based on initiatives by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. “We are very grateful to the U.S. Senate and to everyone who supports Ukraine. The passage of Lindsey Graham’s bill on sanctions against Russia and Iran certainly helps increase pressure on the aggressor to end this insane Russian war against our independence and our people,” Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook.
The head of state separately emphasized that Ukraine values the support of the United States regardless of political affiliation. “Ukraine appreciates ALL the support that the United States provides to Ukraine—from both parties and the entire American people,” the president noted.
Zelenskyy Mentioned Missiles for the Patriot System
According to Zelenskyy, steps that will help protect the lives of Ukrainians and bring the war to a quicker end are particularly important right now. He stressed that Russia continues to attack Ukraine, in particular using ballistic missiles. Therefore, Kyiv needs additional air defense systems and missiles for the Patriot systems. “And now, as Putin is making his last-ditch effort to prolong the war by relying on ballistic missiles, and as we are so desperately seeking missiles for the Patriot systems to defend ourselves, every signal of support for protecting lives and in support of ending the war as quickly as possible,” Zelenskyy stated.
The president believes that increasing sanctions pressure could directly affect Russia’s ability to continue the war. “Real, strong U.S. pressure and sanctions against Russia are what will help the most. Diplomacy becomes more attainable with every step taken to pressure the aggressor,” Zelenskyy emphasized. He also thanked everyone who supports strengthening sanctions against Moscow.
What Graham’s Bill Envisages
As reported, on Friday the U.S. Senate approved a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran. According to the information provided, 86 senators voted in favor of the bill, while 11 voted against it. “The vote tally was 86 in favor and 11 against. Since the 60-vote threshold was reached, the bill has been passed,” the presiding officer announced.
The bill is intended to increase economic pressure on Russia, which continues to wage a full-scale war against Ukraine. One of the bill’s key provisions is to grant the U.S. president additional authority to impose tariffs on countries that purchase Russian energy resources or help Moscow circumvent sanctions.
This involves the ability to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that remain major buyers of Russian oil and gas or facilitate the circumvention of restrictions. In this way, Washington can increase pressure not only directly on Russia but also on countries that continue to purchase its energy resources. This is an important signal for Ukraine, as Kyiv has long been calling on its partners to strengthen sanctions against Russia and limit the revenues Moscow uses to finance the war. This was announced by the President of Ukraine.
The U.S. Senate has approved a sweeping bill imposing new sanctions against Russia and Iran. The bill passed with 68 votes in favor and nine against, and will now be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.
