What They Are Saying: Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act Draws Widespread Support from Prominent American Officials and Ukrainian Leaders

WASHINGTON – In the days since the U.S. Senate advanced the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (S. 5025) by an overwhelming 86-12 procedural vote, the legislation has drawn a groundswell of public support from former U.S. government officials and senior Ukrainian leaders to advocacy organizations and experts. Supporters have emphasized the bill’s power to help finally bring the war to an end and urge for the swift passage of the legislation.

Key quotes are included below.

Prominent American Officials and Experts

Former Vice President Mike Pence: “I truly do believe that [S. 5025] could set into motion what I know is his fondest hope, which was a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine.” (CBS News)
Amb. John Herbst, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine: “Senators @LindseyGrahamSC and @SenBlumenthal—with help from colleagues—have worked long and hard to produce a rare bipartisan product, S.1241, the Sanctioning Russia Act. With White House support, it is now time for the House to join the Senate in making this legislation law. No bill is perfect, but this one would deliver a devastating blow to the Putin war machine in Ukraine at a moment of great vulnerability. This would serve critical American interests and provide proof that bipartisan wins are possible.” (@JohnEdHerbst on X)
Amb. Geoffrey Pyatt, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine: “Congratulations to all the co-sponsors on this important legislation to help speed an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine and help build a more peaceful Europe - a goal strongly in the interests of the United States.” (@GeoffPyatt on X)
Simon Johnson, Nobel Prize-winning Economist and former Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund: “[T]he Sanctioning Russia Act would be unlikely to affect the world price of oil, which is determined by the global balance of supply and demand, but it would reduce the price received by the Kremlin. A lower net price for its oil exports would throttle Russia’s ability to import electronics and other components for rockets, drones, and military equipment more generally. Without these inputs, its attacks on Ukraine would grind to a halt.” (Project Syndicate)
Amb. Daniel Fried, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs: “And therefore, the Graham-Blumenthal Russia sanctions bill is timely. (Yes, it has flaws. But a good thing if passed and enforced.) @ACEurasia @ACGeoEcon” (@AmbDanFried on X)

Ukrainian Leaders and Civil Society

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “This bill is very important. Sanctions, pressure on Russia is very important. And really it gives, it's not all about money. It's also a big signal to Europe, a big signal to Ukraine and big support for our people. So, I'm very thankful, I'm very hopeful.” (@SkyNews on YouTube)
Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada: “I welcome the bipartisan support in the United States Senate for the first procedural vote, which paves the way for further consideration of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. It sends a powerful message of unity and determination in countering Russian aggression and holding accountable those who continue to finance the Kremlin's war machine. I believe Senator Lindsey Graham's work and legacy will be honoured. I believe Russia will be held accountable for its crimes.” (@R_Stefanchuk on X)
Kyrylo Shevchenko, former Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine: “The American Senate advanced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86-12 vote. If signed by President Trump it would impose secondary sanctions along with steep tariffs of up to 100% or more on countries buying #RussianOil and gas while targeting the #ShadowFleet to cut Moscow's wartime energy revenues.” (@KShevchenkoReal on X)
American Ukraine Committee: “Why S. 5025 matters: its sanctions are mandatory, not optional. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 locks in penalties on Russia's leadership, military, and energy sector, and puts tariffs of up to 100% on the Kremlin's biggest oil and gas buyers. No loopholes, no waiting. Just steady pressure until the war ends on just terms. It takes two minutes to tell your Senators and the White House: pass this bill before the August recess.” (@AmUkrCommittee on X)

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