Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Ukraine lobbies House for Russia sanctions bill amid opposition
Ukraine is asking American lawmakers to support a bill that would increase penalties on Russia.
The bill already passed the Senate by a large vote.
It still needs approval from the House of Representatives.
Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk will meet with lawmakers in Washington.
The bill could let the president place very high tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy.
Supporters say this would put more economic pressure on Russia.
Some lawmakers worry the tariffs could make products more expensive in the United States.
Others say President Donald Trump already has enough power to punish Russia.
Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk will visit Washington to urge House lawmakers to support the legislation.
The bill passed the Senate 86-11 on August 7 with bipartisan backing.
It would sanction Russian officials and permit tariffs of up to 100% on major consumers of Russian energy.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats have not agreed on a position and raised concerns about tariff powers.
The House has not scheduled a vote, while opponents argue the tariffs could increase costs and give the Trump administration excessive authority.
- Who
- Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner, will lobby U.S. House lawmakers; President Donald Trump supports the bill.
- What
- The proposed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would sanction Russian officials and authorize tariffs against major consumers of Russian energy.
- When
- Vlasiuk is due in Washington on Tuesday; the Senate passed the bill on August 7, and the House has not scheduled a vote.
- Where
- Washington, D.C., and the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Why
- Ukraine wants stronger economic pressure on Russia and continued U.S. support for Kyiv, while some lawmakers oppose or question the bill’s tariff provisions.
Supporters of the bill
Critics of the bill
Pressure on Russia
Supporters of the bill
Supporters say the measure would increase economic pressure on Moscow and cut revenue used to fund its war.
Critics of the bill
Opponents argue that Donald Trump already has the authority needed to impose stiff sanctions on Russia.
Tariff authority
Supporters of the bill
Supporters view tariffs on major consumers of Russian energy as a tool to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas.
Critics of the bill
Critics, including some senior Democrats, fear the tariff powers could be abused by Trump and his administration.
Economic impact
Supporters of the bill
Backers and Ukraine present the legislation as an important signal of continuing U.S. support for Kyiv.
Critics of the bill
Some lawmakers and industries warn that tariffs could raise costs for U.S. importers and consumers and create political risks for Republicans before the midterm elections.
- Bill
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Senate vote
- Passed 86-11 on August 7
- House status
- No vote has been scheduled
- Potential tariffs
- Up to 100% on countries that are major consumers of Russian energy
- Countries mentioned
- India, Japan, China and some European Union countries
- Ukrainian envoy
- Vladyslav Vlasiuk, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s sanctions commissioner
- Presidential position
- Donald Trump supports the legislation