The US Senate has taken the first steps towards passing a Russian sanctions bill, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance. The bipartisan vote of 86-12 came after Zelenskyy met with senators and discussed Ukraine’s war with Russia.
Sanctions Bill Details
The bill allows the president to impose tariffs on the world’s top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas. It also includes sanctions on Russian financial institutions and energy projects.
Zelenskyy told senators that the sanctions legislation is important as a moral signal to Ukraine, which is weary but holding its own against Russia. The bill has momentum due to Ukraine’s progress in the war and the careful negotiation of the bill.
Reaction from Senators
Senators from both parties expressed support for the bill, with some Democrats expressing skepticism about the president’s tariff authority. Sen. Ron Wyden plans to offer an amendment to change some of the tariff provisions.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
