Washington, Aug 8:
The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia, marking a major step to reinforce American support for Ukraine amid the prolonged war.
The bipartisan legislation, passed by an 86-11 vote on Friday, seeks to penalise countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas and other exports, aiming to cut off key revenue streams funding Moscowâs war effort.
The bill is the culmination of a year-long push led by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The vote came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Capitol Hill, where he met lawmakers from both parties and observed earlier procedural votes on the legislation.
âToday, President Zelensky is watching from Ukraine â and Putin is watching from Moscow,â Senator Richard Blumenthal said, recalling his collaboration with Graham on the sanctions package. âI would like to think Lindsey Graham is watching, too.â
Reaffirming US backing for Kyiv, Blumenthal added, âToday we say to the people of Ukraine: You are not alone. And today we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine.â
The measure now moves forward as a strong signal of continued bipartisan resolve in Washington to pressure Russia and support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.