WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday the Senate advanced a bill championed by late Senator Lindsey Graham (R- SC) which would put sweeping sanctions against Russia.
The measure would impose strict new penalties on countries that buy oil from Russia as well as extend existing sanctions on Iran. Senators said this will help stop the money flowing for Russia’s war machine.
On a vote of 86 to 12, the measure passed the initial hurdle in the Senate. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was present inside the Senate chambers for the vote. Zelenskyy spoke with Senators and some House members at the Capitol. He shared this message to members and the impact the bill could have on the war in Ukraine:
“We’re thankful for the discussion,” said Zelenskyy following the closed door meeting with members. “The discussion was really intense about Ukraine and we are thankful for that. This bill has very important sanctions. It’s very important and it really gives- it’s not all about money, how Russia can stop finance this war, but it also sends a big signal to Europe, a big signal to Ukraine a big support of our people. So, I’m very thankful, and I hope we’ll have positive results.”
The Senate will have a final vote on the bill sometime soon.
