US Senate Moves Toward Tougher Russia Sanctions While Moscow Extends Fuel Export Ban

The United States Senate voted 86‑12 to open debate on a new sanctions bill named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The legislation would broaden existing Russia sanctions to include any third‑party countries that continue to import Russian oil and natural gas, sending a clear warning that tolerance for sanction evasion will be limited. The vote, with only twelve dissenting senators, shows strong bipartisan support for maintaining pressure on Moscow.

Meanwhile, the Russian government announced it will extend the ban on diesel and gasoline exports until 31 January 2027. The extension aims to keep domestic fuel supplies stable after repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and subsequent shortages. The ban also covers maritime fuel and certain petroleum products, though exemptions for some exporters will apply from 1 September and limited humanitarian shipments may continue.