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Zelenskyy Presses Senate on Ukraine Aid and Russia Sanctions Bill
Zelenskyy urged senators to back a sanctions bill that passed 86-11 and sought Patriot interceptors, Starlink access and other U.S. military support.
On July 28, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the U.S. Capitol to press Congress for the Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, aiming to deprive President Vladimir Putin of war-funding oil and gas revenues.
The Senate subsequently passed the Russia sanctions package with an 86-11 vote, representing the most ambitious effort to support Ukraine since President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and some Democrats worry the legislation grants President Trump sweeping tariff authority up to 100%, potentially affecting European allies and American families without sufficient congressional oversight.
Winning President Trump's approval for the act was a 'BFD,' according to the late Lindsey Graham, as Zelenskyy underscored the urgent need for Patriot interceptor missiles and Starlink access.
Analysts like Daniel Balson emphasize the move's symbolic power in maintaining an international alliance behind Ukraine, though the legislation's future in the House remains highly uncertain.