US Senate on Tuesday cleared the Russia sanctions bill, which calls for up to 100% tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil and energy products.
Hours after the US Senate voted to advance the Russia sanctions bill, which could result in 100 per cent tariffs on India and four other countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the senators for the “very important” bill.
Zelensky, who is in Washington, went to the US Capitol and watched the vote on the bill from the Senate gallery. Following the bipartisan 86-12 procedural vote, which carried the bill through the first crucial steps toward passage, the Ukrainian President thanked the US senators.
He said that Ukraine is “thankful” for this very important bill, adding that sanctions pressure on Russia is crucial
Zelensky said it is not just about money or how Russia plans to finance this war, but the sanctions bill is also a big signal to Europe.
He said the legislation “is important as a moral signal to a country that is weary and tired, though holding its own and then some against Russia.”
The sanctions bill was championed by late US senator Lindsey Graham, who was among Ukraine’s most outspoken and influential allies. The legislation aims to increase economic pressure on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
The crucial vote on the bill took place on the day of Graham’s funeral.