Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 30, 2025.
Ukrainian Presidential Press Ser | Via Reuters
The bill would impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are within the top five purchasers of Russian crude oil or gas, which includes China and India. Oil revenue is key to funding Russia’s military action.
It also includes sanctions on Russian leaders and officials, targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, oligarchs and financial institutions. At the request of President Donald Trump, the bill extends sanctions on Iran’s weapons and energy sectors.
Following the vote, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, told reporters on Capitol Hill that Graham would be “proud of what we’ve done.” Blumenthal worked on the legislation with Graham before his death.
“These sledgehammer sanctions and tariffs will stop all who are complicit in this murderous, criminal war of aggression against a brave free people,” Blumenthal said. “To the people of Ukraine, we are with you.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, was among the group of legislators that voted no. She said that while she supports sanctions on Russia, this bill gives too much tariff authority to Trump.
“It provides too much room for him to do things that are unpredictable and that actually harms the situation,” she told CNBC.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., may face opposition similar to Hirono’s in the closely divided House. Reps. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., and Don Beyer, D-Va., on Friday said in a statement they too are concerned about the tariff authority the measure would give the president. They also noted Trump already has the legal ability to impose sanctions on Russian leaders and other nations should he choose to do so.
