U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has announced a renewed legislative push aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia, warning that Moscow’s actions are escalating tensions and threatening global security.
“Putin’s Russia is playing games and this needs to stop,” Graham said on May 15, during a press briefing held alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the margins of the NATO Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting in Antalya, Turkey.
“I have over 70 cosponsors for sanctions against Russia if they continue the course they are on. This legislation also puts tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, gas and other products. When it comes to Russia’s games, enough is enough.”
The proposed bill includes two central provisions: the first targets Russia directly with additional sanctions if it continues aggressive actions, and the second introduces tariffs on nations that continue to import Russian energy and commodities.
The goal, according to Graham, is to disincentivize global purchases of Russian exports and isolate Moscow financially.
The move comes amid ongoing concerns over Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine and deepening cooperation with non-NATO actors. The United States and its allies have repeatedly called for stricter compliance with sanctions regimes already in place, citing evidence that oil and gas sales continue to fund Russia’s war effort.
Graham’s comments echo a growing sentiment among American lawmakers who view energy revenues as Russia’s most resilient financial lifeline. His legislative effort appears designed not only to undercut those revenues, but also to increase the cost of doing business with Russia for countries reluctant to join Western sanctions.