Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Senate Passes Bill Penalising Countries Buying Russian Oil, Gas
The United States Senate has passed a new law about Russia.
Russia is a big country that has been fighting a war with its neighbour Ukraine.
That war has now lasted more than four years.
The new law says countries that keep buying oil and gas from Russia could face penalties.
Russia earns a lot of money by selling oil and gas, and that money helps pay for the war.
The United States wants to take away that money so the war becomes harder to continue.
A senator named Lindsey Graham worked on this law for a year, but he passed away before it was approved.
Right after his funeral, Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, visited the US Capitol and watched from the gallery as senators took votes on the law.
In the end, 86 senators voted for the law and 11 voted against it.
Next, the House of Representatives has to vote on it, and then President Donald Trump can sign it.
The US Senate passed a bipartisan Russian sanctions package by a vote of 86-11.
The legislation would penalise countries that continue buying Russian oil, gas and other exports.
The bill is the result of a year-long campaign by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Capitol hours after Graham's funeral.
President Donald Trump has signalled support, pressing the House to take it up and send it to the White House.
- Who
- The US Senate, led in effort by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham with Sen. Richard Blumenthal; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Capitol during the process, and President Donald Trump has signalled support.
- What
- The Senate passed a bipartisan sanctions bill, 86-11, that would penalise countries buying Russian oil, gas and other exports to deprive Russia of revenues fuelling its war with Ukraine.
- When
- Friday, following a year-long campaign; the war has now lasted more than four years.
- Where
- The US Capitol in Washington, with the measures targeting Russia and supporting Ukraine.
- Why
- To reinforce US support for Ukraine and pressure Vladimir Putin by cutting off revenues fuelling the war.
- Senate Vote
- 86-11 (passed)
- Bill Focus
- Penalising countries buying Russian oil, gas and other exports
- Legislation Champion
- Late Sen. Lindsey Graham (South Carolina)
- Key Co-Sponsor
- Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)
- Zelensky Visit
- Visited the Capitol hours after Graham's funeral
- War Duration
- More than four years; longer than World War I
- Next Step
- House of Representatives vote, then White House signature
- Administration Stance
- Trump has given a nod to the package