Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) expansive Russia sanctions bill faces opposition from a White House that persists in the delusion that appeasing President Vladimir Putin will lead to peace in Ukraine and improved relations with the United States. Putin has exploited this to his benefit at every turn — most recently with a cynical prisoner swap proposal to distract from his largest-ever drone and missile assault on Ukraine. Softening the sanctions bill would embolden Putin’s aggression, prolong Ukraine’s suffering, and further undermine America’s global credibility.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, introduced by Sens. Graham and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), proposes a 500% tariff on imports from countries buying Russian oil and gas, plus other punitive measures. It is a surgical strike at Russia’s $200 billion energy export market, which funds the tanks, drones, and missiles devastating Ukraine. Graham has signaled his intention to add language that would allow carve-outs for countries that provide military or economic assistance to Ukraine, balancing strategic alliances while applying pressure on Russia’s enablers. More than 80 senators support the bill in its current form. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs is considering parallel legislation that has 59 cosponsors, both Republican and Democratic.