The U.S. Senate backed a bill on “hellish” sanctions against Russia and Iran — media

Today, an overwhelming majority of the U.S. Senate backed a sweeping sanctions bill against Russia supported by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, laying the groundwork for consideration by the House of Representatives as early as next month, UNN reports.

Context

Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, was one of Kyiv’s most dedicated allies in Congress during its four-year war against Russia, and the bill is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The bill also includes an expansion of sanctions against Iran initiated by President Donald Trump.

Details

The vote ended with 68 senators voting in favor and 9 against the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Against Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which provides for sanctions against Russian officials and the imposition of steep tariffs on China, India, and other countries in order to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas.

The publication notes that broad support for tougher sanctions against Russia may not be enough to ensure passage in the House of Representatives, as some lawmakers fear that Trump’s new tariff powers could increase costs for American importers and consumers while exposing Republicans to a political backlash.

Reminder

According to Reuters, the sanctions bill against Russia supported by the late Senator Lindsey Graham will face a tough test in Congress, as Democrats and some Republicans express concern about the new trade powers the bill would grant U.S. President Donald Trump.