WASHINGTON – Today, the Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs - Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced sweeping sanctions targeting Russia and any nation or actor complicit in sustaining its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and 48 other Senators from both sides of the aisle.
As a consequence of Putin’s continued, unbridled aggression against Ukraine, this legislation implements expansive sanctions on the Russian Federation’s government officials, as well as individuals, financial institutions, and other entities affiliated with or owned by the Putin regime. These sanctions shall be put in place if the Russian Federation continues to refuse to engage in good-faith negotiations for a just and lasting peace, or if it launches any further military operations that compromise Ukrainian sovereignty. Additionally, it enacts a bold 500 percent tariff on all imports to the United States from the Russian Federation, as well as from any countries that continue to fund Putin’s war machine by purchasing Russian-origin oil, uranium, or petroleum products.
The sanctions package is designed to apply maximum pressure on the Kremlin and any enablers of its imperialist ambitions—underscoring that peace cannot be achieved while the Russian Federation continues to bomb Ukraine’s civilian population or while consenting countries continue to bankroll Putin’s regime.
In a joint statement, the Co-Chairs said:
“Democracy is strongest when we stand together to defend it. This legislation reflects a unified commitment—Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate—aligned in purpose to defend democracy, uphold national sovereignty, and confront the forces of tyranny that seek to destroy both.
“Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine is not just a threat to one country’s borders—it is a direct challenge to the values we hold dear: freedom, self-determination, and the rule of law over the rule of force. Should Russia reject diplomacy and pursue further violence, the consequences will be swift and severe. And to those nations still financing Putin’s war by importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other commodities—this legislation makes clear: complicity comes at a cost.
“These sanctions are not symbolic—they are a demonstration of principles in action. They send a clear message that when democracies are under siege, the United States will respond—not with hesitation, but with purpose.
“We support not a pause, but an end to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and a path toward a lasting, just peace. A peace rooted in Ukraine’s sovereignty, that honors the sacrifices of its people and affirms their right to shape their own future.
“We have been here before. In 1994, Ukraine gave up the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world in exchange for security guarantees that were ultimately broken. In 2014 and 2015, peace accords were signed—and shattered. Each time, the price was paid by the innocent.
“We cannot allow history to repeat itself. The world is watching how we respond—and this time, our response must be unmistakable.
“Peace through strength is not just a guiding principle—it is a responsibility. And we stand ready to uphold it.”
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