Blumenthal: Russia sanctions bill may pass House

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said a sweeping Russia sanctions bill could pass the House in September, describing it as a sledgehammer to pressure President Putin during his Kyiv visit. The proposal would sanction top Russian officials and allow President Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, aiming to choke Moscow’s war financing, while exempting European allies. Democrats broadly back tougher sanctions, though some express concern about giving Trump broad tariff authority; exemptions are designed to shield allies. Blumenthal said Zelensky would personally lobby House members for passage, noting the Ukrainian president readily agreed to press lawmakers. The bill reportedly enjoys strong Republican support and targets include oligarchs, financial institutions, and the so-called shadow fleet, with ongoing negotiations cited as a reason for any delay. EU sanctions on Russia and actions against Belarusian refineries were also reported alongside Ukraine’s push for tougher measures as timelines converge on September.