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Senate moves on Russian sanctions with Zelenskyy in Capitol
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Senate advanced a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill with an 86-12 procedural vote, aiming to penalize countries continuing to buy Russian oil and gas, following extensive negotiations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Capitol Hill.
- Zelenskyy met with senators to emphasize Ukraine’s progress in the war against Russia and the importance of the sanctions as a moral signal and strategic tool to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations.
- The legislation, a key part of Senator Lindsey Graham's legacy, includes tariffs on top Russian energy importers, sanctions on Russian leaders and financial institutions, and provisions for presidential waiver authority; it also extends certain Iran sanctions.
- Some Democrats expressed concern over granting the president expanded tariff powers, with Senator Ron Wyden planning to propose amendments to limit these authorities amid fears of negative economic impacts.
- Zelenskyy's presence and advocacy were seen as influential in building momentum for the bill, which supporters view as crucial for supporting Ukraine and deterring further Russian aggression in Europe.
