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A bipartisan U.S. Senate bill aimed at imposing tougher sanctions on Russia has secured the backing of more than 60 senators, giving it enough support to overcome procedural hurdles in the upper chamber, Axios reported, citing sources, UATV English reports.
The updated legislation would authorize the U.S. president to impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and natural gas, significantly increasing economic pressure on Moscow and targeting a key source of funding for its war against Ukraine.
According to Axios, the bill now has at least 61 co-sponsors, including 39 Republicans and 22 Democrats. That level of bipartisan support is sufficient to overcome a potential filibuster, clearing one of the main procedural obstacles in the Senate.
The legislation’s next challenge is securing a vote on the Senate floor. If approved, it would also need to pass the House of Representatives before it could be sent to President Donald Trump for signature.
Following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, the bill is now being led by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The proposal would allow the president to impose 100% tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, with China and India expected to be among the primary targets because of their significant purchases of Russian energy exports.
The legislation also includes measures targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, which Moscow uses to circumvent Western sanctions and continue exporting crude oil.
Trump recently said there is a “good chance” the sanctions bill will ultimately be approved, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the initiative, saying it could significantly strengthen international efforts to pressure Russia toward diplomacy and peace.
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