WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate has advanced sweeping legislation designed to increase economic pressure on Russia and Iran, delivering a major bipartisan signal on U.S. foreign policy.

The Senate voted 86–12 to advance the legislation on Tuesday, July 28, shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with senators at the Capitol. Zelenskyy later watched the vote from the Senate gallery.

The bill, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, would expand sanctions against Russian political and military leaders, financial institutions and energy projects.

One of its most significant provisions would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 200% on major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, including countries among Russia's biggest energy customers. The legislation also targets older oil tankers used to circumvent existing sanctions.

The measure also extends certain sanctions on Iran through 2031, reflecting growing U.S. concerns over cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.

Zelenskyy told senators that stronger sanctions would send an important signal to Russia and provide additional support for Ukraine. He also discussed Ukraine's need for additional air-defense systems and other military capabilities.

The legislation has attracted support from lawmakers in both parties, although some Democrats remain concerned about giving the White House additional tariff authority. Sen. Ron Wyden has indicated that he plans to seek changes to portions of the tariff provisions during Senate debate.

The bill still faces further Senate action before moving to the House. The House is not scheduled to return until after its August recess, meaning the legislation's final path through Congress could take additional time.

For the Trump administration, the legislation could become an important tool for increasing economic pressure on Moscow while supporting Ukraine's war effort. For Congress, the overwhelming vote demonstrates that bipartisan support for stronger economic pressure on Russia remains significant, even as lawmakers continue to debate the president's tariff powers.

The next major question is whether the Senate can complete passage and whether the House will ultimately support the sanctions package when lawmakers return.