“With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Vladimir Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end.”
WASHINGTON – The Senate today passed the Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) backed bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, a bill that would strengthen sanctions on Russia and entities supporting its war in Ukraine.
The bill aims to disrupt Russia’s ability to sustain its war in Ukraine through the export of energy products. It would sanction key sectors of Russia’s war economy, including its shadow fleet—which is used to export oil despite sanctions—and penalize countries like China that help fund the Russian invasion.
“With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Vladimir Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end. For years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and hold Russia accountable for their aggression. This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House of Representatives and signed into law,” said Husted.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 has over 60 cosponsors in the United States Senate.
Background:
- The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, Russian banks and financial institutions and the Russian shadow fleet.
- The legislation also directs the president to impose up to 100 percent tariffs the top five importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. It contains a waiver, consistent with other mandatory sanctions legislation, allowing the President to waive sanctions, restrictions or duties upon after certifying to Congress that such a waiver is in the national interest of the United States. The bill also includes an exception for countries that import less than 15 percent of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.
The full bill is available here.