Sybiha: Senator Graham’s Sanctions Bill Could Be Pivotal in Forcing Russia Toward Truce
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has welcomed U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s proposed sanctions legislation, emphasizing its potential to play a decisive role in pushing Russia toward a ceasefire and opening the door to meaningful peace negotiations, The Gaze reports, citing Interfax.
Speaking at the “Fair Play” sanctions conference, Sybiha noted that the bill, currently supported by 82 senators, contains the kind of strong measures Ukraine has been calling for from the United States.
“We welcome Senator Lindsey Graham’s bill—it includes the sanctions needed right now from the U.S.,” Sybiha stated. “If passed, it could play a decisive or even defining role in achieving a truce. Therefore, it is critically important that work on this track continues.”
The minister stressed that Ukraine expects firm decisions from its American allies to compel Russia into real peace talks. He reminded the audience that sanctions are not only a show of solidarity with Ukraine—they are essential for the security of EU and NATO member states themselves.
“Russia’s war machine threatens all of Europe,” Sybiha warned. “There is no doubt that the Kremlin is preparing for further aggression. Its defense industry is expanding at an unprecedented pace—today, Russia can produce more ammunition than all EU states combined.”
Sybiha also pointed to the upcoming 18th package of EU sanctions, which he said will be “powerful and painful for the aggressor.” He dismissed Russian claims about the inefficiency of sanctions as propaganda, affirming that sanctions “are working.”
The minister outlined Ukraine’s call for increased sanctions pressure on Russia in several key areas:
1. Targeting Russia’s key economic sectors—energy, metallurgy, nuclear and chemical industries, IT, and finance.
2. Cutting off access to components for missiles, drones, and electronic warfare systems.
3. A full import ban on Russian LNG, oil products, uranium, aluminum, titanium, nickel, and other critical raw materials.
4. Lowering the oil price cap to $30 per barrel.
5. A complete ban on the Nord Stream gas pipeline.
6. Expanded personal sanctions on Russia’s defense industry, propaganda networks, and those involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children.
7. Sanctions for attacks—including cyberattacks—on maritime infrastructure, undersea cables and pipelines, energy sites, ports, and civilian vessels.
8. Strengthened accountability for sanctions violations.
9. Visa restrictions on Russian diplomats, non-recognition of non-biometric Russian passports, and limits on Schengen visas for Russian citizens.
10. Measures against sanctions evasion through Russia’s shadow fleet, including targeting ship captains, owners, suppliers, cargo buyers, and ports involved.
Sybiha concluded by stressing the need for coordinated transatlantic action to cut off Russia’s ability to sustain its war and deter further aggression.
As The Gaze previously reported, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal are spearheading a bipartisan push to enact a powerful new sanctions package against Russia.