July 15, 2026, 07:20July 15, 2026, 07:20
Several senators from both major parties in the US have presented a revised bill for new sanctions against Russia – a central concern of the recently deceased Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The initiative, supported by Republicans and Democrats, would impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, said Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal at a press conference. He specifically mentioned China and India, among others.
Richard Blumenthal, Democratic Senator.Image: keystone
There should be exceptions for countries that import less than 15 percent of natural gas from Russia and take “significant measures” to reduce these purchases. “Our European allies are not affected here,” emphasized Blumenthal. He also emphasized that although the initiative has sometimes been referred to as a “customs law”, the draft envisages comprehensive sanctions against large parts of the Russian economy, including the energy sector, the financial sector and the defense industry, as well as against oligarchs, businessmen and Russian President Vladimir Putin himself.
A quick adoption in the US Congress is not only important because it is a tribute to Graham, but also important for Ukraine, said Blumenthal.
A new sanctions package against Russia has been being fought for more than a year in the US Senate, which was spearheaded by the Republican Graham. An earlier version of the bill would impose tariffs of at least 500 percent on all goods imported into the United States from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas or uranium.
Graham announced support from the White House in Kyiv
Shortly before his death, Senator Graham announced the White House’s support for a new sanctions package against Russia during a visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Friday. Last summer, Trump urged Republicans to refrain from imminently adopting Russia sanctions, writes the news portal “Axios”. The revised draft is now a compromise that Trump ally Graham negotiated with the US government.
When asked whether he would sign the new Russia sanctions package if it passed Congress, Trump did not make a clear decision on Tuesday. But he indicated support. “Well, I know that Lindsey really wanted that,” said the US President in the White House. “That was his concern.” Graham wanted the sanctions more than anything else and there was a good chance they would be implemented. (dab/sda/dpa)