US Congress Urged To Tighten Russia Sanctions, Speed Military Aid

11 Nov 2026, 09:07 by Alex Raufoglu · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Join

WASHINGTON -- Ukrainian advocacy groups are urging the outgoing US Congress to tighten restrictions on easing sanctions against Russia and accelerate military aid to Kyiv, warning that delays could weaken Ukraine's position as diplomatic contacts with Moscow resume.

The push comes during Congress's lame-duck session, the period between November's elections and the arrival of newly elected lawmakers in January, as Ukraine faces another winter of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

A coalition of five advocacy organizations outlined its demands in a November 10 letter to senior members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, seeking changes to the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets US defense policy.

The letter, obtained by RFE/RL, was signed by Razom for Ukraine, Nova Ukraine, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the American Coalition for Ukraine, and FDD Action.

It came as American, Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators kicked off two days of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10, their first three-way negotiations since February.

The groups want Congress to prevent the President Donald Trump's administration from easing sanctions without legislative approval, speed the delivery of air-defense missiles, and provide additional funding to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

"This letter represents a critical opportunity to translate congressional support for Ukraine into concrete legislative safeguards before the 119th Congress adjourns," Michael Sawkiw, UCCA president, told RFE/RL.

Sanctions And Weapons Deliveries

A central proposal would limit presidential waivers and general licenses relaxing Russia-related sanctions to 30 days unless Congress approves an extension.

The coalition argues that existing rules allow the administration too much discretion to ease restrictions imposed on Moscow. It cited an October 16 executive order in which Trump waived key sanctions and tariffs under the Graham Act, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent supporter of Ukraine.

The legislation, signed into law in September, was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow by targeting its energy sector and countries buying Russian oil and gas.

The groups also want to make it easier for European allies to transfer US-made air-defense interceptors, spare parts, and other equipment to Ukraine without seeking separate American approval for each covered shipment.

Eugene Goncharov, policy director at the American Coalition for Ukraine, said the Pentagon had refused for a month to authorize European transfers of Patriot interceptors, which Ukraine has said it desperately needs to defend against constant waves of Russian missile attacks.

The coalition is also seeking to extend funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a Pentagon program that finances military equipment and support for Ukraine, and require monthly reports to Congress on weapons deliveries.

Its proposals include allocating committed air-defense interceptors within 10 days of a production batch becoming available, providing an additional $1 billion in the 2027 US fiscal year to protect and repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and transferring frozen Russian sovereign assets to a fund supporting Ukraine.

The groups also want safeguards against reductions in US intelligence sharing and satellite communications support, which are important to Ukraine's military operations.

Political Window Narrows

Mykola Murskyj, senior adviser for policy and strategy at Razom for Ukraine, a US-based nonprofit supporting Kyiv, said the letter was timed to influence negotiations over the defense bill.

"Right now, members from both chambers of Congress are meeting to negotiate the NDAA," Murskyj told RFE/RL.

He said lawmakers should preserve pro-Ukraine provisions already included in the Senate version while strengthening restrictions on sanctions relief.

"Sanctions relief only rewards the Kremlin. It doesn't incentivize good behavior, but rewards the Kremlin's aggression," Murskyj said.

Congress began its lame-duck session on November 10, with Democrats preparing to take control of both chambers in January after sweeping election victories that gave the party control of both the Senate and the House. Advocates say the remaining weeks offer an opportunity to secure bipartisan commitments before the new Congress convenes.

Lawmakers Question Aid Delays

Separately, 32 Republican and Democratic lawmakers have demanded an explanation from the Trump administration for delays in implementing $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine approved for the 2026 budget year.

In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House budget director Russell Vought, the lawmakers said the administration had waited until the final days of the fiscal year to obligate the funds.

According to the Pentagon's spending plan, deliveries could continue as late as the 2029 US budget year, raising concerns about Ukraine's ability to obtain weapons already authorized by Congress.

The lawmakers warned that the delays undermined US credibility and Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian attacks. They requested a detailed delivery schedule, an explanation of why Patriot interceptors were reportedly excluded, and assurances that future assistance would be allocated promptly.

Signatories included Republican Senators Thom Tillis, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Democratic Senators Dick Durbin, Mark Kelly and Adam Schiff.

Durbin, the Senate Democratic whip and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, also appealed for continued US backing in a November 10 Senate speech as he prepares to leave Congress.

"Don't give up on Ukraine," he said, addressing the incoming Congress and President Trump.

Durbin called for replenishing Ukraine's air defenses, delivering approved assistance without further delay, and ending sanctions waivers.

The United States “must remain steadfast” with its NATO allies he said, warning of the consequences for American and allied security if Washington abandoned the alliance.

US Congress Urged To Tighten Russia Sanctions, Speed Military Aid

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