Zelenskyy calls Graham's sanctions bill a powerful tool against Russia

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the sanctions bill authored by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham a powerful tool against Russia, reacting hours after Russian forces struck Ukraine overnight with missiles, drones and Banderol/Dan-T munitions across eight regions. Ukraine's Air Force said air defenses shot down or suppressed 131 of the targets, though strikes still hit residential buildings in Kyiv and Odesa and energy infrastructure in Sumy and Odesa, injuring more than 10 people including children.

The House passed the bill 262-159 on Sept. 16, sending it to Trump's desk after the administration reportedly pressed Graham for months to soften it. The final version gives the president authority to impose tariffs up to 100% on countries still buying Russian energy and expands sanctions on Russia's military, financial and energy sectors.

Zelenskyy thanked members of Congress and stressed sanctions need to be strong for diplomacy to work, framing the bill alongside other partner sanctions as a way to force Russia toward peace.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.