Bipartisan group of senators unveil Graham’s Russia sanctions bill

Bipartisan Senators Introduce Legislation to Target Russian Energy Imports

Tyunews.com – A coalition of Senate lawmakers, spanning both major parties, introduced a legislative proposal on Tuesday crafted by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The measure aims to penalize Russian energy exports and the international entities that acquire them, with the backing of Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Senate staff indicated the bill is poised for a successful vote after the White House agreed to its terms on Friday.

The legislation, unveiled during a press event on Capitol Hill, retains the original text since Graham's sudden passing on Saturday, according to a Senate aide. It includes sanctions against Russian financial institutions and major state energy initiatives, while also imposing penalties on foreign buyers of oil and natural gas. The top five importers of Russian crude oil face up to 100% tariffs, and the same applies to the leading five recipients of its natural gas.

Exemptions and Tariff Rules

Exemptions are outlined for certain natural gas purchasers, such as U.S. allies France and Japan, which are reducing their reliance on Russian imports. China, the largest importer of both crude oil and natural gas, is subjected to a 100% tariff under the bill, though the rate cannot be compounded to reach 200%.

"With all due respect to the president, he has approved this bill, and we should move forward with it rather than expanding it to include other targets," remarked Blumenthal during the event. "If there are additional proposals, we’ll review them, but this legislation has been meticulously crafted over nearly two years."

Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican co-sponsor, urged immediate passage of the bill, stating, "Raising the cost of Russian energy is the sole remedy. This measure will tighten their sales to weaken Putin’s war machine and compel him to engage in negotiations."

Senate aides highlighted that discussions with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Ankara during the NATO summit were pivotal in securing White House endorsement. They noted the timing of the sanctions aligns with Ukraine’s recent military advances, which have generated widespread recognition in Washington. "The momentum Ukraine is showing on the battlefield is palpable," one aide explained, "and now is the moment to push Russia toward peace."

Related: "Trump Does Like a Winner" – Ukraine’s successes may lead to increased U.S. support, as claimed by Zelenskyy’s advisor. Another related piece discusses potential delays in Trump’s plan to authorize Patriot missiles for Ukraine.

A handout photo from Ukrainian Presidential Press Service, dated July 10, 2026, captures President Volodymyr Zelensky greeting Graham before their Kyiv meeting. The image was shared via AFP and Getty Images.