Von der Leyen welcomes US Senate passage on Russia sanctions bill

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed the US Senate’s adoption of the Graham Bill, calling for closer coordination between the European Union and the United States in imposing sanctions on Russia.

“Coming on the back of the EU’s 21st package, I welcome the US Senate’s adoption of the Graham Bill. It honours a fierce believer in the power of coordinated sanctions to weaken Russia's war machine," she wrote on X, Caliber.Az reports. 

Coming on the back of the EU’s 21st package, I welcome the US Senate’s adoption of the Graham Bill.

It honours a fierce believer in the power of coordinated sanctions to weaken Russia's war machine.

From Russian oligarchs to energy exports and the shadow fleet, every source of…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 7, 2026

She said sanctions should target Russian oligarchs, energy exports and the so-called shadow fleet, arguing that all major sources of revenue supporting Moscow’s military campaign should face pressure.

“Together, let us drain Russia's means to continue a war it cannot win,” she added.

Von der Leyen also stressed the importance of coordinated action between Washington and Brussels, saying that complementary sanctions could demonstrate what the EU and United States can achieve by acting together.

By Sabina Mammadli