The U.S. Senate approved a bill imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia
The U.S. Senate approved, by an overwhelming majority, a bipartisan bill imposing sweeping sanctions against the Russian Federation—the aggressor state. The package is aimed, in particular, at limiting Moscow’s revenue from the energy sector, according to Euronews.
Eighty-six senators voted in favor of the bill, while 11 voted against it. The bill imposes sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to circumvent restrictions on Russian oil exports. The measures are also intended to apply to older tankers that have changed their flags of registration and are being used by Russia to circumvent existing U.S. sanctions targeting its oil and energy revenues.
The bill grants U.S. President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports, including gas and oil. In addition, he will be able to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, and other commodities. Euronews lists China and India among the major buyers of Russian energy resources.
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If the bill is ultimately passed and takes effect, the sanctions could also affect Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials. The agreed-upon version of the bill grants the president the authority to grant exemptions from sanctions or restrictions if he certifies to Congress that doing so is in the national interest of the United States.
The bill must now be considered by the House of Representatives. Due to Congress’s summer recess, a vote there will not take place until early September at the earliest. According to Euronews, Trump supported the sanctions package, and the bill was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked for over a year to build support for this initiative.
