- The crucial vote on the bill took place on the day of Graham's funeral.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the senators for the "very important" bill aimed at increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.
- Zelensky remarked, "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."
- Zelensky stated the legislation "is important as a moral signal to a country that is weary and tired, though holding its own and then some against Russia."
- The sanctions bill is described as the first step toward implementing the late senator's plans and is certainly "a step toward peace."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for a US Senate sanctions bill, calling it a "moral signal" against Russia, coinciding with the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of Ukraine. Zelensky stated, "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."234
The sanctions bill, which Zelensky described as "very important", aims to maintain pressure on Russia amid ongoing conflict. He noted that the legislation is crucial for a country "weary and tired, though holding its own and then some against Russia."
Graham's advocacy for Ukraine was significant, and Zelensky emphasized that this bill represents the first step toward implementing the late senator's plans, marking it as "a step toward peace." The vote on the bill occurred on the same day as Graham's funeral, highlighting its importance in honoring his legacy.6
The sanctions allow for up to 100% tariffs on the top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, including India and China. This legislative move is seen as a continuation of Graham's efforts to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
“Zelensky emphasized the bill as a crucial step toward peace and a reflection of Graham's efforts against Russia. He noted that the sanctions are vital for maintaining pressure on Russia, highlighting the importance of international support for Ukraine.”
