Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the US Senate’s move to advance a Russia sanctions bill that could eventually lead to tariffs of up to 100% on India and four other major buyers of Russian energy. The bipartisan legislation cleared a key procedural hurdle in the Senate with strong support, marking an important step toward becoming law.

Zelensky calls bill a ‘moral signal’

Zelensky, who is currently in Washington, was present in the Senate gallery as lawmakers voted on the measure. The bill advanced after an 86-12 procedural vote, taking it through one of its first major stages in the legislative process.

After the vote, the Ukrainian President thanked US senators for backing the legislation, saying the proposed sanctions carry significance beyond financial pressure on Russia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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Trump responds to Zelenskyy’s Russia sanctions bill clears key hurdle as Zelensky calls it a moral signal | X (@Volodymyr Zelenskyy)

“Ukraine is thankful for this very important bill,” Zelensky said, adding that increasing sanctions on Moscow remains crucial. He noted that the legislation is not only about limiting Russia’s ability to fund the war but also sends a broader message to Europe.

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Calling it a “moral signal”, Zelensky said the bill “is important as a moral signal to a country that is weary and tired, though holding its own and then some against Russia.”

Tribute to Lindsey Graham

The vote took place on the same day as the funeral of late US Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in the US Congress and a leading advocate of the sanctions legislation.

In a post on X, Zelensky wrote, “It is symbolic that today, as we bid farewell to Senator Lindsey Graham, the Senate held a procedural vote on a bill imposing sanctions against Russia that he had worked so hard on. It was an honor to be present as the votes were counted – 86 senators supported the bill.”

Describing the legislation as the beginning of Graham’s vision, Zelensky added that it is “the first step toward implementing” those plans and “certainly a step toward peace.”

He also thanked senators for their continued backing of Ukraine and for their “high assessment of the results of our warriors on the front lines and Ukraine’s ability to respond justly to Russia for its strikes against our people.”

What the Russia Sanctions Bill proposes?

First introduced in April 2025, the legislation received backing from US President Donald Trump earlier this year amid trade-related tensions between Washington and New Delhi.

If enacted, the bill would allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are among the world’s five biggest buyers of Russian oil or natural gas. India and China are included in that group.

The proposal also contains an exemption clause for countries that source less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and are actively reducing those imports.

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What it could mean for India

India is currently the second-largest importer of Russian crude oil after China. In August 2025, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil, saying the imports were “fueling (Vladimir) Putin’s war.” That move raised total US tariffs on Indian goods to 50%.

If the Senate bill is passed and later enforced, India could face further trade pressure at a time when New Delhi and Washington are still negotiating a bilateral trade agreement aimed at lowering overall tariffs to 18%. The outcome of the legislation could therefore have implications for the broader economic relationship between the two countries.

FAQs:

Why is Zelensky supporting the US Russia sanctions bill?

Zelensky says the bill increases pressure on Russia and serves as a “moral signal” supporting Ukraine’s fight against the invasion.

How could the US Russia sanctions bill affect India?

If enacted, the bill could allow the US to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India over its continued purchases of Russian oil.