Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US senators in Washington on Tuesday as lawmakers prepare to begin voting on a proposed bill aimed at imposing new sanctions on Russia. The meeting is expected to take place during Zelensky's visit to the US capital for the funeral of late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

All 100 members of the US Senate have been invited to attend the meeting with Zelensky, according to Senate aides. The discussions are expected to focus on continued US support for Ukraine and developments related to the ongoing conflict with Russia, as lawmakers consider additional measures targeting Moscow's financial resources.

One Senate aide said voting on a sanctions bill targeting Russia could begin as early as during Zelensky's visit. The legislation was strongly backed by Graham before his sudden death earlier this month and had remained pending in Congress for nearly a year. The proposed bill is designed to reduce Russia's ability to generate revenue from energy exports, which lawmakers argue continue to provide financial support for Moscow's military operations in Ukraine. The legislation seeks to impose economic pressure on Russia by restricting income from key sectors linked to its wartime economy.

The bill has undergone changes in an effort to gain wider support among lawmakers. The proposed tariff penalty was reduced to 100 per cent from an earlier version that included a blanket 500 per cent tariff. Supporters of the revised measure believe the changes could improve its chances of passing through Congress.

However, the legislation has also raised concerns among some members of Congress over the potential expansion of presidential authority, particularly regarding the powers it could grant US President Donald Trump in implementing sanctions. Lawmakers have debated how much flexibility the executive branch should have while responding to international conflicts and economic challenges.

Also Read: Zelensky Replaces Ukraine's Army Chief Amid Ongoing War And Military Challenges

Graham, a prominent Republican senator and long-time supporter of Ukraine, had played a major role in promoting the sanctions proposal. His death created uncertainty over the bill's future, but congressional leaders have continued discussions on moving the legislation forward. Zelensky's visit comes at a time when Ukraine continues to seek international support amid its war with Russia. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly urged allies to maintain pressure on Moscow through diplomatic, economic and military measures.

The upcoming Senate meeting provides Zelensky an opportunity to engage directly with US lawmakers as Washington debates its next steps on Russia policy. While the sanctions bill has bipartisan support from several lawmakers, its final passage will depend on negotiations over its provisions and concerns regarding presidential powers.

The outcome of the Senate vote could become a significant indicator of the US Congress's approach toward Russia and its continued role in supporting Ukraine. As lawmakers weigh the legislation, discussions are expected to focus on balancing economic pressure on Moscow with broader foreign policy considerations.

Also Read: Trump Eyes Ukraine Peace Talks During NATO Summit Meetings With Zelensky, Syrian President