US senator expects vote on new Russia sanctions bill next month

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U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal visited Kyiv on August 26, where he expressed optimism that a new, wide-ranging sanctions bill against Russia would pass the House of Representatives next month. The legislation, which previously passed a Senate vote, aims to restrict Russia's ability to fund its war in Ukraine by targeting top officials and enabling the U.S. to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, such as China and India. During the visit, Blumenthal requested that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy lobby House members to support the bill, a request to which the Ukrainian leader agreed.

Consequences

If enacted, the bill would provide the U.S. administration with the authority to apply significant economic pressure on nations that purchase Russian energy, though European allies would be spared through specific exemptions. Increased pressure on the House of Representatives from the Ukrainian government is expected as officials seek to secure the bill's passage.

Sources

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