US Senate plans 'Russia week' focused on new sanctions and Ukraine support
Photo: Lindsey Graham (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The US Senate is preparing for a “Russia week,” during which it plans to vote on several key bills, including one on using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, citing Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna.
According to the ambassador, Senator Lindsey Graham expects the Senate to hold a “Russia week,” during which votes will take place on the REPO Act, a bill to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, and possibly on a sanctions bill.
According to Stefanishyna, US senators have already made a number of important statements regarding sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee James Risch welcomed the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration against Russia, condemned the strike on a kindergarten, and stressed that Ukrainian children deserve to live without fear of Russian aggression.
He also declared his readiness to support the president in working toward establishing a lasting peace.
Co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group Thom Tillis emphasized the importance of the Senate voting for the sanctions package to increase pressure on Russia.
Chairman of the Budget Committee Lindsey Graham confirmed the 30-day timeframe for considering the sanctions legislation and suggested the prospect of introducing tariffs against countries that buy Russian oil.
Senator Richard Blumenthal noted that the current sanctions are a step in the right direction but insufficient, and called for stronger pressure on countries that continue to buy Russian oil.
Stefanishyna meets with Graham
Stefanishyna said she personally met with Senator Graham.
“We had a productive conversation on the steps that bring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine closer. We discussed important legislative initiatives to increase pressure on Russia (co-authored by the senator), namely: the bill to designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism if it fails to return Ukrainian children; the implementation of the REPO Act — using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s needs; and the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025,” she added.
The ambassador stressed that Ukraine values Senator Graham’s consistent position on compelling Russia to peace and communicating the truth about this war, as well as his efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the countries.
US hits Russia’s economy
On October 23, the US Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions against Russia aimed at forcing Russian president Vladimir Putin to sit down at the negotiating table with Ukraine.
Analysts at The New York Times note that these measures are unlikely to affect the Russian leader’s military plans but are expected to create additional problems for Russia’s economy.
