The United States Senate has taken a significant step toward passing new sanctions against Russia and Iran, voting 86–12 to invoke cloture on a motion to proceed with the legislation. The bill, formally titled the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," is designed to place increased economic pressure on Moscow in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine while simultaneously restricting energy revenues for Iran.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the proceedings from the Senate gallery. His presence served as a tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the bill's author, whose funeral was held earlier that day. Speaking to reporters at the Capitol before the vote, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the measure, describing it as a vital signal of support for Ukraine and Europe. He noted that he had recently met with President Donald Trump and other senators to discuss his country's urgent need for anti-ballistic air defence systems.
The legislation includes provisions that would grant President Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on nations that remain major consumers of Russian energy, such as India, Japan, and several countries within the European Union. While President Trump has signaled his support for the bill—specifically requesting the inclusion of the Iranian sanctions—the proposed tariff authority has sparked debate among lawmakers. Critics, such as Representative Gregory Meeks, have expressed concern that the bill serves as a "massive backdoor authority" for the President to implement sweeping tariffs, potentially driving up import costs. Conversely, Senator Jeanne Shaheen has advocated for the bill's passage, framing it as a critical opportunity to support Ukraine in its defense of European security. The measure is expected to move toward a final vote before heading to the House of Representatives in September.
5334, the legislative vehicle for the "Lindsey O.
