Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Aug 8: The US Senate on Friday overwhelmingly approved a tough sanctions bill against Russia, paving the way for stronger economic pressure on Moscow and President Vladimir Putin amid the prolonged war in Ukraine.

The bipartisan bill was passed by a wide 86-11 majority following a yearlong campaign by late Senator Lindsey Graham to strengthen US support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Putin.

The legislation authorises President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the world's top five importers of Russian oil and gas.

China, India, Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia are currently among the major countries importing Russian oil and gas.

The development assumes significance for India as the country could face additional US tariffs under the proposed sanctions framework because of its continued purchases of Russian energy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who visited the United States last week following Graham's funeral, had also visited Capitol Hill and met senators from both parties.

Besides sanctions against Russia, the legislation provides for extending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2031. The law allows penalties against companies investing in Iran's energy sector.

The bipartisan legislation was strongly backed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Following Graham's sudden death, lawmakers from both parties renewed efforts to secure passage of the legislation, while also seeking to honour the legacy of the South Carolina senator, who had been a prominent supporter of Ukraine.

The Senate's approval now puts pressure on the House of Representatives to consider the legislation before it can be sent to Trump for his signature.