WASHINGTON — The United States moved ahead with new sanctions-related measures tied to Russia's war in Ukraine on Tuesday, as lawmakers and the White House advanced efforts to increase economic pressure on Moscow while seeking to preserve flexibility for diplomatic negotiations.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators said earlier this month they had reached agreement with the Trump administration on revised legislation that would expand sanctions authorities targeting Russia and countries that continue purchasing Russian energy exports. Supporters say the measure is intended to reduce revenue financing Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
The legislation, backed by Republican and Democratic sponsors, would authorize broad secondary sanctions and tariffs against countries engaged in significant trade with Russia, particularly purchases of oil and natural gas, according to the lawmakers. They said the administration had agreed to revisions designed to provide the president with greater discretion over implementation.
The renewed push comes as Washington continues to coordinate economic measures with allies while Russia's invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, remains unresolved. Existing U.S. sanctions already target major Russian financial institutions, energy companies, defense firms and individuals, with authorities administered primarily through the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Supporters of the legislation have argued that additional measures are needed because Russia continues military operations and has shown little willingness to end the conflict through negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the proposed sanctions package during recent meetings with U.S. lawmakers, describing stronger economic pressure as an important element in efforts to advance diplomacy, according to the senators.
The sanctions effort has also taken on added political significance following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the legislation's principal Republican sponsors. Congressional supporters have said they intend to continue pursuing the measure, with some proposing it be renamed in his honor. Analysts say Graham's absence could complicate efforts to maintain bipartisan momentum behind Ukraine-related initiatives, although backers have pledged to press ahead.
The administration has not announced a timetable for final enactment of the legislation. Congressional leaders and the White House continue discussions over the bill's final language as lawmakers seek to balance stronger economic pressure on Russia with the administration's stated objective of retaining flexibility in any future negotiations over the conflict.
