US Senators Lindsey Graham (R–SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D–CT) met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv this week to reaffirm bipartisan support for Ukraine and promote a Senate bill proposing significant new sanctions on Russia.

The senators, known for their strong backing of Ukraine, are co-authors of a bipartisan bill that would introduce major new sanctions on Russia and impose 500% tariffs on countries continuing to import Russian oil, gas, and other critical resources.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for their efforts, stating, “We have a shared understanding that Russia is making a mockery of diplomacy—pretending to negotiate while preparing new offensives and rejecting all ceasefire proposals.”

Senator Blumenthal emphasized the bill’s intent to send a strong message to buyers of Russian energy: “The Senate’s response will be clear—500% tariffs on anyone buying Russian oil, gas, or petrochemicals. That includes China and India, which currently buy most of these exports.”

Senator Graham added that the Senate could begin reviewing the bill next week, highlighting its broad support with backing from 82 US senators.

Kyiv pushes for stronger global pressure ahead of talks

The visit comes as Ukraine and Russia prepare for a new round of peace talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. While Moscow has proposed the meeting, Ukraine has not confirmed its attendance and is demanding that Russia publish its proposed peace terms in advance.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that Moscow continues to use diplomatic platforms to delay rather than negotiate, and said Kyiv would not attend “on blind terms.” The last round of talks, held in mid-May, led to a major prisoner exchange but little progress toward a lasting ceasefire.

International observers are watching closely, as Kyiv insists that without serious Russian concessions, negotiations will remain superficial.