Kelly Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Legislation

Today, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly released a statement following the Senate passage of the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen sanctions on Russia and hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. The vote was 86-11. Kelly and more than 60 of his Senate colleagues introduced the legislation last month.

"The fastest way to end Russia's illegal war is to cut off the money Putin is using to fuel it. Today, Republicans and Democrats came together to pass tougher sanctions that put pressure on Putin and those helping finance his war. This is a critical step securing a lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security.

"I've been to Ukraine four times since this war began and have seen firsthand what's at stake. This vote demonstrated that the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine and hold Russia accountable. I urge the House of Representatives to pass this bipartisan legislation quickly so we can keep up the pressure and bring this war to an end."

Background:

Kelly, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has fought to hold Russia accountable and strengthen America's national security since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. Earlier this year, Kelly visited Ukraine for the fourth time since the war began. In July, along with the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, Kelly introduced the bipartisan Fast Tracking European Investment in Ukraine's Defense Act to help Ukraine receive critical munitions faster and ensure NATO allies share more of the burden of supporting Ukraine's defense.