US Advocacy Groups Push Congress to Strengthen Russia Sanctions and Aid

Ukrainian advocacy groups have called on the outgoing US Congress to tighten restrictions on easing sanctions against Russia and expedite military aid to Kyiv. The coalition warned that delays in legislative action could weaken Ukraine's position as diplomatic contacts with Moscow resume.

This push occurs during the lame-duck session, the period between the November elections and the arrival of newly elected lawmakers in January. Ukraine faces another winter of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, heightening the urgency for immediate legislative safeguards.

On November 10, a coalition of five organizations sent a letter to senior members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The groups, including Razom for Ukraine, Nova Ukraine, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, the American Coalition for Ukraine, and FDD Action, outlined demands for changes to the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.

The letter was released as American, Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators began two days of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi. These negotiations marked the first three-way discussions since February. The advocacy groups seek to prevent the administration of President Donald Trump from easing sanctions without specific legislative approval.

A central proposal in the letter would limit presidential waivers and general licenses that relax Russia-related sanctions to 30 days unless Congress approves an extension. The coalition argues that current rules grant the administration too much discretion. They cited an executive order from October 16, in which President Trump waived key sanctions and tariffs under the Graham Act.

The Graham Act, signed into law in September, was designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow by targeting its energy sector and nations purchasing Russian oil and gas. The groups also want to streamline the process for European allies to transfer US-made air-defense interceptors and spare parts to Ukraine without separate American approval for each shipment.

Eugene Goncharov, policy director at the American Coalition for Ukraine, noted that the Pentagon had refused to authorize European transfers of Patriot interceptors for a month. Ukraine has stated that it urgently needs these systems to defend against constant waves of Russian missile attacks. The coalition also seeks to extend funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and require monthly reports to Congress on weapons deliveries.

Additional proposals include allocating committed air-defense interceptors within 10 days of production, providing an extra $1 billion in the 2027 fiscal year for energy infrastructure protection, 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.

Mykola Murskyj, a senior adviser at Razom for Ukraine, stated that the letter was timed to influence negotiations over the defense bill. He emphasized that lawmakers should preserve pro-Ukraine provisions in the Senate version of the bill while strengthening restrictions on sanctions relief. Murskyj argued that sanctions relief often rewards the Kremlin's aggression rather than incentivizing good behavior.

Separately, 32 Republican and Democratic lawmakers demanded an explanation from the Trump administration for delays in implementing $400 million in military assistance approved for the 2026 budget year. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House budget director Russell Vought, the lawmakers noted that the administration waited until the final days of the fiscal year to obligate the funds. The Pentagon's spending plan allows deliveries to continue as late as the 2029 budget year, raising concerns about Ukraine's ability to obtain authorized weapons.

The lawmakers warned that these delays undermined US credibility and Ukraine's defensive capabilities. They requested a detailed delivery schedule, an explanation for the reported exclusion of Patriot interceptors, and assurances that future assistance would be allocated promptly. Signatories included Republican Senators Thom Tillis, Chuck Grassley, and Joni Ernst, as well as Democratic Senators Dick Durbin, Mark Kelly, and Adam Schiff.

Senator Dick 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, Durbin addressed the incoming Congress and President Trump, urging them not to give up on Ukraine. He called for replenishing air defenses, delivering approved assistance without delay, and ending sanctions waivers.

Durbin stated that the United States must remain steadfast with its NATO allies, warning of the consequences for American and allied security if Washington were to abandon the alliance. The remaining weeks of the current session offer an opportunity to secure bipartisan commitments before the new Congress convenes in January.