Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Blumenthal Hopes Russian Sanctions ‘Sledgehammer’ Passes House Next Month
A U.S. senator is supporting a bill designed to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine.
The bill would impose sanctions on important Russian officials.
It could also let President Donald Trump place tariffs as high as 100% on countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
China and India are among those major buyers.
Supporters say this could reduce the money Russia receives from energy sales.
Some Democrats worry the bill could also hurt U.S. allies.
Senator Richard Blumenthal says exemptions would protect European countries.
He asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to encourage House lawmakers to support the bill.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said he hopes the Russia sanctions bill passes the House of Representatives next month.
The bill would sanction senior Russian officials and permit tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
China and India are among the countries targeted by the proposed tariff authority.
Some Democrats worry the bill could give President Donald Trump too much power to impose tariffs on U.S. allies.
Blumenthal said exemptions would protect European allies and asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to lobby House members.
- Who
- Senator Richard Blumenthal, President Donald Trump, Russian officials, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are central to the report.
- What
- A bill proposing broad sanctions on Russia and possible tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas is seeking House approval.
- When
- Blumenthal spoke on Wednesday, Aug. 26, and hopes the bill will pass the House next month.
- Where
- Blumenthal discussed the bill in Kyiv after meeting Zelenskiy and Ukrainian officials.
- Why
- Supporters want to reduce Moscow’s revenue from oil and gas and pressure President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.
Supporters of the bill
Critics’ concerns
Pressure on Russia
Supporters of the bill
Supporters say wide-ranging sanctions and possible tariffs could reduce Moscow’s energy revenue and apply force against Putin’s war effort.
Critics’ concerns
Some Democrats have not opposed sanctions generally but worry about the broader consequences of the bill’s tariff provisions.
Presidential tariff authority
Supporters of the bill
Blumenthal says exemptions would protect European allies while allowing pressure on countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
Critics’ concerns
Some Democratic legislators are concerned the bill could give President Donald Trump leeway to impose additional tariffs, including on U.S. allies.
- Bill status
- The measure comfortably passed an initial Senate vote last month and is awaiting House consideration.
- Proposed sanctions
- The bill would sanction top Russian officials.
- Tariff authority
- It would allow tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
- Targeted buyers
- China and India are identified as major buyers of Russian energy.
- European allies
- Blumenthal said exemptions would spare European allies from the tariffs.
- House outlook
- Blumenthal said the bill has strong Republican support in the House.
- Ukrainian support
- Blumenthal asked Zelenskiy to lobby House members for passage.