Legislation advocated by senators as a robust measure to potentially halt the conflict in Ukraine, referred to as a powerful blow intended to curb actions by President Trump.
In a significant move towards intensifying US action against Russia, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal is advancing with strong support in Congress and from President Donald Trump. The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 aims to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products, exerting significant economic pressure on Russia and its financial backers to force serious ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine.
The bill, which has garnered over 80 Senate co-sponsors and 70 House co-sponsors, reflects broad bipartisan backing. Senators Blumenthal and Graham have actively promoted the bill internationally, briefing European leaders and emphasizing that the sanctions would also target major buyers such as China and India, which are responsible for around 70% of Russia's energy trade. The bill includes a carveout exempting countries that support Ukraine's defense, protecting their trade from punitive tariffs.
President Trump has expressed support for the bill, with Senator Graham noting that Trump told him "it's time to move," indicating the administration’s readiness to push the legislation forward soon. However, the bill requires a final green light from the President and faces procedural steps in Congress, with the goal of passing it before the August recess.
If passed, the sanction package will give President Trump tools he doesn't currently have, including a "literal sledgehammer." Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated he could bring the bill to the floor by the end of the month. House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated he would bring a bill to crack down on Russia to the House floor if it passes in the Senate.
The potential impact of this bill on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could be substantial. The tariffs aim to weaken Russia's war machine by cutting off financial resources derived from its energy exports. Additionally, the strong bipartisan and international support signal a united front against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, which could bolster Ukraine’s position in the conflict.
In related news, President Trump has announced a deal to send US weapons to Ukraine through NATO. Trump has also floated the idea of sending another Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. European countries are already planning to mobilize their Russian assets, and Graham believes it's time for the US to also allow access to its $5 billion in seized assets.
Graham and Blumenthal predict that Trump will soon allow NATO allies to tap into seized Russian assets to help aid Ukraine. Graham stated that the sanction package will ensure that Putin does not take Ukraine by force. He believes Putin has made a mistake by thinking that the US and Europe would get tired and weary, as NATO is bigger and stronger than ever.
On Monday, President Trump is set to make a major statement on Russia. With the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 gaining momentum, the world eagerly awaits Trump's next move in the ongoing confrontation with Russia.
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, with its potential to impose tariffs and target major buyers of Russian energy products, indicates a united front against Russia's war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, as it reflects policy-and-legislation efforts by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. General-news outlets are closely watching the bill's progress, particularly the impending major statement from President Trump on Monday.
