The US Senate has approved a bill to impose new sanctions on Russia. This is to support Ukraine and put pressure on President Vladimir Putin.

The bill passed with 86 votes in favor and 11 against. It will punish countries that buy Russian oil and gas, which helps fund the war in Ukraine.

Senator Richard Blumenthal said, 'Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine, and Putin is watching from Moscow.'

Senator Blumenthal also said, 'We say to the people of Ukraine: You are not alone. And we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine.'

The Senate's move is a significant step to change the situation in the war between Ukraine and Russia. The war has been going on for more than four years.

Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal had been working on the sanctions bill for over a year. Graham died suddenly after announcing a deal with the White House.

The bill allows the president to impose tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil or gas. There are exceptions for countries that import less than 15% of their gas from Russia.

The bill also includes sanctions on Putin, Russian leaders, and Russian energy projects. It aims to stop Russia from getting around existing sanctions.

Some Democrats and Republicans are concerned about giving the president the power to impose tariffs. They worry it could lead to higher prices for goods.

The bill includes a waiver that allows the president to lift sanctions if it is in the national interest. This was added to address concerns about the president's power.

Senator Darline Graham said the bill 'hits Putin where it hurts.' She is determined to continue her brother's work to end the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with senators and thanked them for their support. He said the sanctions bill would send a strong signal to Ukraine and its allies.

Senator Todd Young said the sanctions bill is important to show support for Ukraine. He believes it will help Ukraine, which is tired but still fighting.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen said the bill will put pressure on Putin to consider a peace deal. She warned that if the US backs down, Russia will increase its attacks.

Senator Shaheen also said, 'If we can't stop Russia's funding for the war, they will keep fighting.'

The Senate rejected an amendment that would have removed the president's authority to impose new tariffs. Some senators are concerned about the cost to taxpayers.

Senator Ron Wyden said, 'We have people who are struggling financially in America.'

Senator Raphael Warnock said he received a commitment from the Trump administration that ensures the tariffs will be lifted once countries stop buying Russian oil and gas.

Senator Warnock said, 'We should not have to choose between stopping Putin's aggression and stopping the president's tariffs.'

Some Democrats are wary of giving the president new powers, but they don't want to jeopardize help for Ukraine.

Senator Chris Murphy said, 'Supporting Ukraine is important right now.'

The Senate's action is expected to prompt the House to act quickly on the Russia sanctions bill.

The House had already passed a separate bill to provide aid to Ukraine and sanction parts of the Russian economy.

The House bill had bipartisan support, despite some Republican leaders' objections. They warned it could undermine negotiations for a stronger result.

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The US Senate's move to impose new sanctions on Russia is a significant step to support Ukraine and put pressure on President Vladimir Putin.

The bill's passage is expected to have a substantial impact on the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

The international community is watching the situation closely, and the US Senate's action is seen as a crucial step to support Ukraine.

The sanctions bill is designed to target Russia's economy and limit its ability to fund the war in Ukraine.

The US Senate's move is also seen as a signal to other countries to support Ukraine and put pressure on Russia to end the war.