Ursula von der Leyen welcomes US Senate approval of Graham sanctions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the United States Senate’s overwhelming passage of the Graham Bill, a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy sector. The bill, approved 86‑11, complements the EU’s 21st sanctions package and aims to cut off revenue streams that fund Moscow’s war effort, including restrictions on Russian oligarchs, energy exports and the shadow fleet.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where a vote is expected after the summer recess in early September. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of coordinated EU‑US action to further weaken Russia’s ability to continue the conflict.