Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s presidential commissioner for sanctions policy, hopes the United States House of Representatives will approve new Graham sanctions against Russia next week.
Speaking to journalists, Vlasiuk acknowledged concerns regarding specific elements of the proposed legislation, stating that Ukrainian officials want to refine the text to maximize pressure on Moscow.
The commissioner described the political choice facing Kyiv as straightforward, noting that Ukraine must either secure the passage of the Graham sanctions bill now or face delays. He added that while a vote next week in the lower chamber remains possible, assessing the exact likelihood is difficult due to complex internal proceedings within Congress.
Congressional resistance to sanctions bill
The legislative proposal was originally introduced by the late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. However, the bill faces major obstacles in the United States Congress.
Reports from news outlet Politico earlier in September indicated that the measure risks becoming stalled in the House of Representatives. The bill has encountered significant resistance from Democratic lawmakers alongside a lack of enthusiasm among Republicans.
Financial news agency Bloomberg subsequently reported that consideration of the legislation to tighten restrictions on Russia will likely be postponed until at least after the November midterm elections. Congressional leaders harbor concerns regarding potential new tariffs and the risk of driving up global crude oil prices.
The House of Representatives serves as the lower chamber of the United States Congress, where major economic and sanctions bills must be debated and passed before reaching the President for signature. Sanctions legislation authored by members of Congress often undergoes extensive negotiations between lawmakers, executive agencies, and international partners to balance foreign policy objectives with global economic stability.
European Union sanctions timeline
Beyond American legislative efforts, Vlasiuk outlined upcoming timeline expectations for European Union measures targeting Russian economic interests. He expressed hope that an anti-ballistic sanctions package aimed specifically at Russia's defense-industrial complex will be implemented in early October.
A broader 22nd sanctions package from the European Union is anticipated by mid-to-late October at the earliest, with full adoption expected before the end of the year. Vlasiuk noted that this comprehensive package will focus on the defense sector, international trade, individual listings, and financial restrictions.
European officials are also actively debating a complete ban on maritime shipping services tied to Russian commercial activity. Meanwhile, the European Union faces an immediate mid-September deadline to renew all existing individual sanctions currently imposed against Russian entities and figures.
The European Union relies on unanimous approval among its 27 member states to implement foreign policy sanctions. Packages typically target key sectors of the Russian economy, including military manufacturing, international banking networks, and energy transport services, requiring periodic legal renewals by member states to remain in force.
Russian crude oil export reductions
Addressing current economic impacts, the presidential commissioner highlighted a significant drop in crude Russian oil exports recorded throughout July and August. Vlasiuk noted it was difficult to isolate a single cause, attributing the reduction to both the reinstated impact of American sanctions and targeted military operations by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
However, Vlasiuk warned that Russian entities routinely adapt to targeted international measures over time. To maintain pressure on Moscow's revenue streams, he stressed the necessity of enacting secondary sanctions against third-country entities that continue purchasing Russian oil.
Kyiv continues to monitor legislative progress in Washington while working alongside European partners to finalize upcoming restriction packages before the end of the year.
