Full Breakdown
Zelensky Meets All U.S. Senators as Russia Sanctions Bill Looms
7/28/2026, 8:54:50 AM
Core Event
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to attend the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and to meet every member of the U.S. Senate on the evening of July 28 in Washington. The Senate is expected to begin voting on a Russia-sanctions bill during his visit. The legislation, championed by Graham and pending for about a year, aims to cut revenue from Russian energy sales that fund the war in Ukraine.
Background & Context
Senator Graham, a longtime supporter of Ukraine, met Zelensky in Kyiv on July 10—the day before the senator’s fatal accident on July 11. Graham’s final push for the sanctions bill included a proposed 500 % tariff on countries purchasing Russian energy. After his death, Senate leaders revised the tariff to a flat 100 % rate to broaden support.
Data & Statistics
- 100 senators invited to the Capitol meeting.
- Original tariff proposal: 500 % on energy imports from Russia; revised to 100 %.
- The bill has been in Congress for roughly one year.
Official Statements & Responses
Senate aides confirmed that all senators will be present for the meeting and that the vote on the sanctions bill is slated to occur “as soon as” Zelensky’s visit. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the bill and asked that it include expanded sanctions on Iran and Hezbollah, though it remains unclear whether those provisions will be incorporated. Zelensky is also set to meet Trump at the White House on the same day.
