Senators Graham and Blumenthal reach agreement with Trump Administration on Russia sanctions bill

Senator Graham announced this to journalists in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

He recalled that he and Blumenthal had been working for nearly two years on legislation that would authorize President Donald Trump to impose sanctions and tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and support Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. According to Graham, the bill targets five countries that avoid sanctions and obtain cheap Russian oil for resale.

"This bill has 85 co-sponsors. We've been working with the administration, Senator Blumenthal and myself, Senator Shaheen to make sure that it was acceptable to the administration. that it was written in a way they could support," the Senator explained.

"I'm pleased to announce as of about 30 minutes ago, we've reached an agreement with the White House on a version of the Russian sanctions bill that they will support. It means it's going to become law," the U.S. lawmaker said.

Graham added that he plans to meet with Senator Blumenthal in Washington to determine when they can move forward with the Russia sanctions bill. He said the legislation is designed to reward countries that seek alternative energy sources.

“I've never been more optimistic than I am today. That we have the formula to end this war. Help Ukraine be more lethal. Let those supporting Russia to know it's going to be a price to be paid if you keep doing it. And to try to find an off-ramp, not to humiliate Putin, but to end this war so that Ukraine will thrive and survive," Graham added.

As reported by Ukrinform, Senators Graham and Blumenthal introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate that would increase pressure on Russia by imposing sanctions on countries that purchase Russian energy resources. In November, Graham said that the U.S. President supported the initiative and that Congress was ready to move it forward.