The Trump administration has announced its support for a draft bill that would impose heavy financial penalties on purchasers of Russian oil. This move is intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow in an effort to bring Russia's ongoing four-year war on Ukraine to a close, sources told CBS News.

Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal informed CBS News that the Trump White House has approved the latest draft of the Russia sanctions bill. A Ukrainian official confirmed that on Friday, Graham communicated to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the bill has White House backing.

Senators emphasized the urgency of the legislation, stating, "As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine."

Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi praised the agreement and indicated that the legislation is expected to be introduced "very soon."

CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion, who has covered major political developments since 2021, reported on the administration's position and the bipartisan effort on Capitol Hill.

White House spokespeople have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Sources