Bipartisan Senators Reach Deal with White House on Updated Russia Sanctions Bill
Senators from both parties said they have secured an agreement with the administration to advance a new sanctions package targeting Russia, though presidential support for its passage remains uncertain.
Senators Lindsey Graham (R) and Richard Blumenthal (D) announced Friday that they have reached an agreement with the White House to move forward with an updated Russia sanctions package. The legislation would allow the president to impose high tariffs on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium and natural gas, with possible exemptions for nations that aid Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
The bipartisan effort, which includes Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker and Senate Foreign Relations Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen, was described as a significant step forward, and the sponsors said they expect to introduce the bill soon.
"We are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Trump Administration to move our updated Russia sanctions legislation forward. We are very pleased with this significant progress and expect to roll out the legislation very soon," the senators said in a joint statement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met with Graham in Kyiv, posted on social media that strengthening long-range sanction pressure on Russia is essential and that Graham had briefed him on the congressional work.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the Senate will wait for clear White House backing before bringing the measure to the floor, citing the need to coordinate with the administration and the tight legislative calendar ahead of upcoming defense and funding bills.
The proposed sanctions come as President Trump recently approved the delivery of Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine, a move that follows ongoing discussions about additional support for Kyiv amid continued Russian attacks.