Full Breakdown
Ukraine Submits Sanctions Wish List Under New Graham Act
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Request and Priorities
Ukraine will deliver a list of Russian companies, vessels and individuals to the Trump administration and Congress this week, seeking U.S. sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act signed in September. Chargé d’affaires Denys Sienik said the top priority is a group of firms that manufacture components for Russia’s domestic satellite-internet system, a counterpart to Starlink. While the primary network operator is already sanctioned, the component producers are not, and Ukraine warns that a completed “constellation” could enable real-time Russian attacks on Ukrainian targets, especially during the upcoming winter. Ukraine also requests sanctions on vessels tied to Russia’s “ghost fleet,” which it alleges are used to evade oil-sale restrictions, and seeks condemnation of attacks on American companies operating on Ukrainian soil.
Legislative Context
The Graham Act, enacted in September, gives the president authority to impose additional sanctions on Russia and Iran. The law sets a mid-October deadline for the administration to decide which Russian entities, if any, will be targeted. This deadline frames Ukraine’s timing for submitting its wish list and underscores the urgency of its security concerns.
Key Actors and Their Positions
- Denys Sienik – Chargé d’affaires at Ukraine’s embassy in Washington; articulated Ukraine’s sanction priorities and highlighted the strategic risk of Russia’s satellite network.
- President Donald Trump – Signed the Graham Act, authorizing the expanded sanctions framework.
- U.S. Administration – Holds the decision-making authority and must meet the upcoming deadline to act on Ukraine’s requests.
Anticipated Impact
If the United States sanctions the identified component manufacturers, Ukraine argues it could hinder Russia’s ability to field a functional satellite internet system, limiting Moscow’s capacity for rapid targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure. Sanctioning ghost-fleet vessels could tighten enforcement of existing oil-export restrictions, while a formal condemnation of attacks on U.S. firms may bolster diplomatic pressure on Russia. The outcome of the administration’s pending decision will shape the near-term security environment as winter approaches.