Senators Push Sanctions Bill in Kyiv to Cripple Russia’s War Funding

In a bold move to pressure Russia, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal visited Kyiv to rally support for a new sanctions bill aimed at disrupting Moscow’s ability to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine. The bipartisan effort signals a strong U.S. stance against Russia’s aggression.

On May 30, 2025, two prominent U.S. senators, Lindsey Graham (Republican, South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, Connecticut), stood side by side in Kyiv, Ukraine, to push for a powerful new sanctions bill. Their visit came at a critical time in the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year, as both sides face intense pressure to negotiate peace. The proposed legislation, backed by an impressive 82 senators, aims to hit Russia where it hurts most: its economy, particularly its energy exports that fuel its war machine.

Why the Sanctions Bill Matters

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Despite international efforts to broker peace, Russia’s continued attacks, including a massive drone and missile assault on Kyiv in late May 2025, show no signs of slowing down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for stronger measures to force Russia to the negotiating table.

The sanctions bill, officially titled the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, is designed to do just that. It proposes harsh penalties, including a staggering 500% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, or uranium. This could impact nations like China, India, and Iran, which have continued trade with Russia despite Western sanctions. The bill also explores seizing $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction, a move that could significantly weaken Moscow’s financial reserves.

“Russia is in a very perilous state already economically, because 40 percent of its economy is devoted to war production or compensation for soldiers,” Senator Blumenthal said during a press conference in Kyiv. The New York Times

A Bipartisan Push for Peace

What makes this bill stand out is its strong bipartisan support. With 82 senators—split evenly between Democrats and Republicans—backing the legislation, it reflects a rare moment of unity in Washington. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are among its supporters, signaling broad agreement that Russia’s actions require a firm response.

Senator Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, emphasized that the bill is a tool to support Trump’s efforts to broker a peace deal. “Putin would be making a huge mistake to try to play Trump,” Graham said, warning that the Senate sees Russia as the primary aggressor. The bill’s measures are described as “bone-crushing,” aimed at forcing Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in serious peace talks or face dire economic consequences.

The Situation in Kyiv

During their visit, Senators Graham and Blumenthal met with President Zelensky and toured damaged neighborhoods in Kyiv, witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by recent Russian attacks. On May 30, 2025, Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults of the war, using 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles to target Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The attack damaged apartment buildings, a shopping mall, and left at least 15 people injured in the capital alone.

Zelensky used the senators’ visit to highlight Russia’s reluctance to commit to peace. “Russia mocks diplomacy while preparing new offensives,” he said, urging the U.S. and its allies to act swiftly. The senators echoed his call, stressing that the sanctions bill could cut off the Kremlin’s ability to sustain its war machine.

Challenges and Global Reactions

While the bill has strong support in the U.S. Senate, its passage is not guaranteed. Some Republicans and White House advisers have pushed President Trump to embrace the sanctions, but he has so far hesitated to impose new measures. Trump has been vocal about wanting a quick resolution to the war, even if it means Ukraine conceding territory like Crimea. This stance has caused tension with Kyiv, which insists that surrendering land is unconstitutional and unacceptable.

European allies have also stepped up pressure on Russia. In mid-May 2025, leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Poland visited Kyiv and issued an ultimatum to Putin: agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire or face “massive” new sanctions. The EU has already implemented its 17th sanctions package, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to bypass oil embargoes. However, European diplomats admit that major new sanctions require U.S. cooperation to be effective.

“The ball is now in Russia’s court. We stand ready to maintain strong pressure,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Guardian

What’s Next for the Sanctions Bill?

The U.S. Senate is expected to begin moving on the sanctions bill as early as next week, according to Senator Graham. If passed, it could reshape the economic landscape for Russia and its trading partners. The proposed 500% tariffs would make it costly for countries to continue buying Russian energy, potentially isolating Moscow further. Additionally, redirecting frozen Russian assets to Ukraine could provide a significant boost to Kyiv’s recovery efforts.

However, the bill’s success depends on navigating political hurdles in Washington and gaining support in the House of Representatives. Graham remains optimistic, citing growing outrage over Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians as a driving force behind the bill’s momentum.

Why This Matters to Americans

For Americans, the sanctions bill is about more than just foreign policy. It’s a signal that the U.S. remains committed to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, even as domestic debates over foreign aid continue. The bill also ties into broader economic concerns, as tariffs on countries trading with Russia could affect global markets and energy prices. By targeting Russia’s war funding, the U.S. aims to shorten the conflict and reduce the need for prolonged military aid to Ukraine.

At the same time, the bipartisan effort shows that Washington can still come together on critical issues. For many Americans, seeing Democrats and Republicans unite to confront a global threat is a refreshing change in a divided political climate.

Looking Ahead

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the world is watching to see if the U.S. Senate’s sanctions bill can shift the tide. For now, Senators Graham and Blumenthal’s visit to Kyiv has sent a clear message: the U.S. is ready to take bold steps to hold Russia accountable. Whether this pressure will force Putin to the negotiating table remains uncertain, but the bipartisan push for “bone-crushing” sanctions is a step toward changing the course of the war.

For more details on the senators’ visit and the proposed sanctions, check out coverage from Reuters and The New York Times.

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