The author of "crushing sanctions" proposed an exception for those helping Kyiv.

Senator Lindsey Graham proposed exempting countries that supply military aid to Ukraine from the risk of sanctions , which would impose a 500% tariff on trade with Russia, The Hill reports.

“Many countries still buy Russian"Oil and gas, but in smaller quantities. Some European countries still maintain relations with Russia, but they have been very helpful to Ukraine. Therefore, I want to exclude them," the senator said, speaking to reporters.

Graham also noted that his initiative was sending a signal to Beijing: "If you don't want a 500% tariff, help Ukraine." He said he had discussed the idea with President Donald Trump but declined to say whether the president supported his latest initiative.

The draft bill, authored by Graham, calls for sanctions against Russia—500% duties on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, uranium, and other products.

Graham called the measures included in the bill "devastating" for the Russian economy and expressed confidence that if a peace agreement is not reached soon, the Senate "will take decisive action to deal a strong blow to Russia."

US Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the bill could be brought to a vote in June.

Russia considers Western sanctions illegal and demands their lifting. Reaching an agreement requires effort, time, and Kyiv's participation in direct negotiations with Moscow. "The Ukrainian crisis is too complex to be resolved overnight," the Kremlin stated.

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