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 sanctions.

The legislation authorizes US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports, including gas and oil. It also permits 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 restrictions.

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

The legislation, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham who died 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, Senator Graham announced an agreement with the White House on a revised version of the bill, which also extends sanctions authority aimed at restricting funding for Iran's energy and weapons sectors.

This move represents the most significant Senate action during President Trump's second term to alter the course of the ongoing conflict involving Russia.

Sources

Euronews