US Senate Advances Bipartisan Bill to Expand Sanctions on Russia

A bipartisan bill to broaden U.S. sanctions on Russia has attracted more than 60 co‑sponsors, with 39 Republicans and 22 Democrats backing the measure. The legislation, originally introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, is now being shepherded through the Senate by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. It proposes new restrictions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political‑military officials, state‑owned enterprises and foreign firms that support Russia’s defence sector, as well as a 100% tariff on the five largest purchasers of Russian energy and on five states alleged to help Moscow evade sanctions. The bill also seeks to add several Russian banks and major energy projects to a sanctions list and could be expanded to target Iran and Hezbollah. While the Senate is expected to debate the bill soon, passage also requires approval from the House of Representatives.

The proposal reflects Washington’s ongoing effort to increase economic pressure on Moscow amid the conflict in Ukraine.