The ratification of new sanctions against Russia was announced on Friday, two days after the United States House of Representatives approved an extensive package of restrictions targeting Russian authorities and the economy. The main objective of these measures is to prevent President Vladimir Putin from accessing the financial resources necessary to sustain the war against Ukraine.
The bill, named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, took over a year of negotiations to be finalized and passed with 262 votes (including 159 dissenting votes).
This legislation marks the most significant effort to support Ukraine since Trump's return to the White House in 2025, resolving an impasse that had lasted nearly two years following an emergency aid package granted in 2024.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had made direct appeals to senators shortly before the bill's approval last month, pressuring for its implementation.
The new rules impose sanctions on Russian entities, including banks and a clandestine fleet of oil tankers that ensures Russian oil exports. Furthermore, the measure authorizes Trump to apply tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil or natural gas, excluding countries that import less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and have implemented substantial actions to reduce this flow.
Proponents argue that the purpose of the action is to discourage China and India from continuing to purchase Russian energy. However, critics of the bill expressed concern that Trump might use it to affect allies located in the European Union and other regions.
Although there was overwhelming support from the caucus for aid to Ukraine, Democrats showed divisions regarding the bill.
Congress has faced obstacles in ensuring continuous military support for Ukraine due to increased Republican resistance to new spending. Trump used to criticize aid to Ukraine during his presidential campaign and stated that if elected, he would quickly end the conflict initiated by the invasion of Moscow in February 2022.
Lindsey Graham spent almost a year persuading Trump to endorse the sanctions package against Russia. Finally, Trump signaled his support for the bill after it incorporated his suggestion to extend existing sanctions against Iran for a period of five years.
The Senate approved the bill with a large majority (86 votes to 11) last month, but progress slowed in the lower house. Republican leadership focused on other priorities, specifically proposals designed to put Democrats on the defensive before the midterm elections. The approval in the House occurred on the last day scheduled for voting sessions before the November 3rd elections.