The US Senate has overwhelmingly voted to advance legislation that would impose new sanctions on Russia and Iran, approving a procedural motion to begin consideration of the measure.
The Senate voted 86–12 to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5334, the legislative vehicle for the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026”, clearing the way for debate on the measure.
The bill seeks to increase economic pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war and restrict Iran’s energy revenues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy observed the vote from the front row of the Senate gallery, attending proceedings as a tribute to the bill’s author, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose funeral was held earlier in the day.
Speaking to reporters at the Capitol ahead of the vote, Zelenskyy called the legislation “very important.”
“It’s not only about the money… But it’s also a big signal to Europe, big signal to Ukraine, big support of our people. So I’m very thankful,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader added that he discussed urgent air defence needs, specifically anti-ballistic systems, with President Donald Trump and US senators during his Washington visit.
Related
