Ukraine Praises Trump for Signing Expanded Russia Sanctions
Zelenskyy commended the U.S. president for enacting legislation that broadens penalties on Moscow and targets energy evasion networks.
Key points
- Trump signed a bill expanding sanctions on Russia and extending restrictions on Iran's energy sector.
- The legislation targets Russian officials, banks, and the shadow fleet of tankers used for evasion.
- Zelenskyy praised the move, calling it a way to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday for signing into law a comprehensive sanctions package aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Russia. The legislation, which received strong bipartisan support in Congress, expands statutory sanctions and tariffs while extending existing restrictions on Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.
According to the White House, the bill authorizes primary and secondary sanctions against Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions. It also specifically targets the so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers used to evade previous penalties. The measure allows the president to impose tariffs on major importers of Russian crude oil and gas, as well as countries facilitating sanctions evasion.
Legislation Named for Late Senator
The bill was championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away two months ago. Zelenskyy noted that Graham frequently emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow to seek a path to peace. The Ukrainian president stated that fully and swiftly implementing the law's provisions would be the best way to honor Graham's memory.
In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy highlighted that Graham advocated for targeting capitals that purchase Russian oil or allow Russian companies linked to the war to conduct business. He added that the ultimate reward for those helping to pressure Russia to end the conflict would be peace, security, and an end to the challenges brought by the war.
Kremlin Officials Reject New Measures
Russian officials responded negatively to the enactment of the new sanctions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that additional U.S. sanctions would complicate efforts to find a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. His comments reflect the ongoing diplomatic tension surrounding the conflict, which has now entered its fifth year without a breakthrough in peace talks.
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, described the legislation as an example of "Russophobic outrages." He also referred to the late Senator Graham using derogatory terms in a post to his social media channel. The reactions underscore the continued divergence in rhetoric between Western leaders and Moscow regarding the conduct of the war.
Bipartisan Support Shaped Final Vote
The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 262 to 159, with a notable split among Democrats. While 58 House Democrats voted in favor, 152 voted against, with seven Republicans joining the dissent. The Senate approved the measure last month with overwhelming bipartisan support, voting 86 to 11.
Top House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, cited concerns about the extraordinary power the bill grants to the executive branch as their reason for opposing it. Despite this internal division, the final signing by the president signifies a continued commitment from the U.S. government to enforce strict economic penalties against Russia. As reported by abcnews.com, the next focus will be on how quickly these provisions are implemented and their impact on global energy markets.
