On Friday, August 7th, 2026, the US Senate overwhelmingly approved a comprehensive sanctions package aimed at curbing Russia's energy revenues. The bipartisan bill passed with a vote of 86-11 and targets Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the so-called shadow fleet used to evade existing restrictions on Moscow's oil exports.

The legislation authorizes US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports, including gas and oil. It also allows tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, such as China and India. Additionally, the sanctions would expand to cover older, reflagged oil tankers that Russia uses to circumvent current US sanctions.

If enacted into law, the sanctions would directly target Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials. The bill includes waiver authority for the president, permitting the White House to waive sanctions if deemed in the national interest.

The bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham who passed away on July 11th after more than a year of advocacy, now moves to the House of Representatives. However, a vote there is not expected until at least early September due to the congressional summer recess.

Shortly before his death, Graham announced an agreement with the White House on a revised version of the bill, which also extends existing sanctions authority aimed at restricting funding for Iran's energy and weapons sectors.

This legislative move represents the most significant US Senate action to date during Trump’s second term to influence the ongoing conflict involving Russia.

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