Congress on Thursday approved a wide-ranging sanctions bill designed to increase pressure on Russia, in what lawmakers and observers describe as a significant legislative step after a prolonged lull.
The measure, characterized by supporters as sweeping, targets Russian interests as part of efforts to respond to Moscow's actions related to Ukraine. It is the first piece of congressional legislation in over two years explicitly framed as support for Ukraine.
Under U.S. legislative procedure, the bill will be sent to the president for consideration. If signed, it would put in place the new sanctions measures approved by both chambers of Congress; if vetoed, lawmakers could seek to override the president's decision.
The passage marks a notable moment in Washington's response to the situation involving Russia and Ukraine and is likely to draw attention from international governments, markets and diplomatic observers as implementation details and potential responses from Moscow unfold.
Lawmakers have framed the action as a return to direct legislative involvement on the issue after more than two years without congressional sanctions legislation specifically tied to Ukraine. The next steps will determine how the new measures are carried out and what impact they may have on bilateral relations and broader geopolitical dynamics.