The U.S. Senate has taken the first step toward imposing “severe sanctions” against Russia
29 July 06:55
The U.S. Senate passed a procedural vote on a bill proposing a new package of tough sanctions against Russia and Iran, which has already been informally dubbed “hellish sanctions, ” according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The bill paves the way for final consideration and could significantly increase economic pressure on the Kremlin, as well as on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy resources.
The Senate approved moving the bill to final consideration
During a procedural vote, 86 senators supported moving the bill to final consideration, while 12 voted against it.
This vote does not mean the bill has been definitively passed, but it opens the floor for debate and consideration of amendments. Afterward, the Senate must hold a final vote.
If approved, the bill must still be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives, after which it must be signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
What the “hellish sanctions” entail
The bill, now known as the Lindsey Graham Act following the death of one of its authors, provides for a significant expansion of sanctions pressure.
The bill contains provisions regarding:
- sanctions against high-ranking Russian officials;
- restrictions on Russian oligarchs and their family members;
- sanctions against Russian banks and financial institutions;
- restrictions on companies and individuals who aid Russian aggression;
- sanctions against vessels of the so-called “shadow fleet.”
In addition, the bill allows the U.S. president to impose 100 percent import duties on countries that continue to purchase significant volumes of Russian oil and natural gas or help circumvent international sanctions.
Sanctions also apply to Iran
A separate section of the bill provides for the extension of U.S. sanctions mechanisms aimed at restricting financing of Iran’s energy and defense sectors.
Thus, the bill aims to increase pressure on two countries that Washington views as key threats to international security.
What Was the Senators’ Position?
During the debate on the bill, some Democratic senators expressed reservations about expanding the U.S. president’s tariff powers.
That is why some Democrats did not support the procedural advancement of the bill.
At the same time, according to U.S. media reports, the Donald Trump administration generally supports the bill and views it as a way to honor the memory of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who was one of its authors.
When the bill might be passed
A final vote in the Senate could take place as early as the end of this week.
If ultimately approved, the bill will become one of the toughest U.S. sanctions packages against Russia since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
