Senate Moves on Russian Sanctions After Zelenskyy Visit

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate took its first vote Tuesday on a major bill to punish countries that buy Russian oil and gas. The vote came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with senators. The 86-12 vote was a key step forward for the sanctions bill. Zelenskyy watched from the Senate gallery and waved in support. The bill targets countries that continue to buy Russian energy exports. Supporters say this will cut the money Russia uses to fund its war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy told senators that Ukraine is now "winning the war," according to Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.V. He said the sanctions would help push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations. The bill was the work of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who died suddenly earlier this month. Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., announced a deal on the legislation just before Graham's death. "This is our best opportunity to support Ukraine," said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. "We are defending not just their country but the rest of Europe." The bill would allow the president to impose tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas. China and India are at the top of that list. It also targets Russian banks, energy projects and oil tankers used to avoid existing sanctions. Some Democrats oppose the bill because it gives President Donald Trump new powers to impose tariffs. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., called it "extremely dangerous" and plans to propose changes. Zelenskyy also met with Trump earlier Tuesday to discuss U.S. help for Ukraine.