The upper chamber of the U.S. Congress is moving closer to adopting one of the toughest economic packages in recent years. A new sanctions bill, promoted by leading members of the Republican Party, may be put to a vote as early as July. Its provisions reflect a shift in the internal political climate and a broader reassessment of the country’s international strategy.
The bill, authored by Senator Lindsey Graham, proposes radical measures, including 500% tariffs on goods from countries that cooperate with Moscow in the energy sector. This applies not only to oil and gas trade but also to uranium supplies — a strategic resource. Major global economies with strong trade ties to the U.S. would be affected, potentially reshaping the architecture of international commerce.
The initiative is drawing bipartisan support, giving it significant weight in Congress. While the White House had previously been cautious about applying additional sanctions, fearing they might disrupt diplomatic channels, that position shifted in early July. A large-scale attack on Ukrainian territory involving hundreds of drones and missiles, followed by an unproductive call between the U.S. president and his Russian counterpart, led to a fundamental reassessment.
Previously, Donald Trump — aiming to preserve diplomatic dialogue — had refrained from supporting measures that could derail talks. However, recent developments prompted what he described as “disappointment and the need to reevaluate our approach.” In his new public statements, the president emphasizes the importance of effective pressure tools, and Graham’s bill grants the president broad authority in managing the sanctions regime.
Senator Graham notes that the primary goal of the legislation is to weaken the financial foundations that support Russia’s actions. It’s not just a signal of determination, but also an effort to create a mechanism that influences Moscow’s energy partners and disrupts the global reliance on unstable supply chains. This approach fits into a broader strategy aimed at redistributing global influence and reducing economic dependence on unpredictable actors.
The bill has already sparked active debate among business leaders and analysts who closely monitor the evolution of U.S. foreign economic policy. If passed, its impact could ripple across entire industries — from logistics to finance — both domestically and internationally.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the Senate. The outcome of the vote will not only shape the future of U.S.-Russia relations but also influence the global balance of power.
