Zelensky urges US Congress to pass new Russia sanctions package, praises Senator Graham's draft

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is counting on the United States to enact a major new sanctions regime against Russia, singling out US Senator Lindsey Graham for his role in drafting the measures. The statement came during a meeting with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on September 6.

Zelensky's appeal underscores Ukraine's ongoing reliance on Western economic pressure against Moscow as a complement to military aid and battlefield resistance. The United States has been the primary architect of coordinated international sanctions against Russia since the 2022 full-scale invasion, with successive packages targeting Russian energy exports, financial institutions, defense contractors, and oligarchs. Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and prominent voice on defense issues, has been actively engaged in shaping US policy toward Ukraine and Russia, positioning himself as an advocate for sustained American support.

The timing of Zelensky's remarks reflects broader diplomatic efforts to maintain momentum on multiple fronts—military, financial, and sanctions-based—as the war enters its third year. US special envoys Witkoff and Kushner represent the Trump administration's involvement in Ukraine-related matters, signaling continued high-level American engagement on the issue. New sanctions are intended to further constrain Russia's ability to finance its military operations and maintain economic stability under wartime conditions. Ukraine's explicit appeal to Congress suggests either that a sanctions package is under active consideration or that Kyiv is pushing to ensure congressional support for measures that may face legislative hurdles.